Articles by Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., David Andrews, Ph.D.

Natural and artificial flavor: What's the difference?

If you’ve studied ingredient labels and been mystified by “natural flavor” and “artificial flavor,” you’re not alone. These vague terms suggest a big gap in quality, but the reality is more complex...

FDA reports over 50 PFAS ingredients intentionally added to 1,700 personal care products

Hundreds of personal care products people use every day may contain the toxic “ forever chemicals ” known as PFAS, according to a Food and Drug Administration report . As of 2024, more than 50 PFAS...

EWG comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency July 2025 announcement regarding perchloroethylene regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act

Attached are EWG's submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on their July 2025 announcement regarding perchloroethylene regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Fluoride in drinking water: What we know about its safety and risks

Fluoride – a natural constituent of teeth and bones – is added to public drinking water supplies throughout the U.S. for its purported dental health benefits. But this process, known as fluoridation...

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...

‘Forever chemicals’: Top 3 ways to lower your exposure

The harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are everywhere – as EWG scientists say, “Wherever we look, we find them.” But reducing exposure to these toxic substances is possible.

EWG comments on the WHO proposed guidelines for PFOA and PFOS contamination of drinking water

The Environmental Working Group submitted comments on the flawed World Health Organization draft guidelines for allowable levels of PFOA and PFOS contamination in drinking water. In October, EWG also...

Flawed WHO report on ‘forever chemicals’ fails human health, EWG scientists find

A draft World Health Organization analysis of the two most notorious “forever chemicals” disregards hundreds of health risk studies, claiming there are too many uncertainties to calculate a safe...

Addressing misinformation on the internet about EWG’s ratings systems

A recent viral social media post about a Bath & Body Works air freshener makes inaccurate and misleading allegations about EWG’s product ratings systems.

Why is cancer-causing benzene widespread in personal care products?

Benzene is a sweet-smelling, petroleum-derived toxic chemical classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a known human carcinogen – and now it’s being detected in many personal care products...

Fiberglass: A new hidden hazard in mattresses

Fiberglass is now being used as a replacement for harmful chemical flame retardants in some mattresses, according to a new study. But it can also pose its own risks.

Staying safe under the sun: How melanin levels can significantly affect skin cancer risk

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S. Recent research shows that melanin, a pigment found in hair, skin and eyes, can play a...

The good glow: Stay safe with protective sunscreens this summer

Sunscreen helps reduce the risk of sunburns and long-term skin damage, but only one in four products offers adequate protection and does not contain worrisome ingredients, according to an EWG analysis...

EWG Testimony Maine Legislative Document No. 164

The Environmental Working Group submitted testimony to the Maine Committee on Health and Human Services on Legislative Document No. 164, An Act To Establish Maximum Contaminant Levels under the State...

‘Forever Chemicals’ Must Be Regulated as a Class

To protect the health of people, communities and the environment, the toxic fluorinated “forever chemicals” known as PFAS should not be regulated one by one but as a class, more than a dozen...

EWG Letter EPA on Solvay's Failure to Submit Key Health and Safety Studies

The Environmental Working Group submitted a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting TSCA 8(e) enforcement for Solvay’s failure to submit key health and safety studies within a timely...

Schools Reopening: Let’s Make This a Catalyst for Change

Every day it seems there's a new email from school with a change of plans, or news reports about studies of COVID-19, children and schools that are far removed from the reality in the U.S. It's even...

FDA Studies: ‘Short-chain’ PFAS Chemicals More Toxic Than Previously Thought

New studies by the Food and Drug Administration indicate that a common fluorinated chemical in food packaging and stain-resistant carpets and textiles is much more toxic than earlier studies by the...

EWG Petitions CDC To Conduct Biomonitoring Studies for Common Sunscreen Chemicals

EWG has submitted a petition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requesting that biomonitoring of the American public include tests for common sunscreen ingredients. Research conducted...