Articles by Ketura Persellin, Alexis Temkin, Ph.D.

Chemicals in our food may be contributing to weight gain

It’s no secret rates of overweight, obesity and other metabolic diseases are skyrocketing. And food is a big part of the problem, though not in the way you might think. It isn’t just how many calories...

EWG VERIFIED® Baby Diapers: Filling the gap when regulators fail to protect our most vulnerable

European regulators have rejected a proposal to restrict a handful of harmful chemicals in baby diapers, yet again showing basic government failures abroad and in the U.S. to protect our most...

What are endocrine disruptors?

A class of potent chemicals is wreaking havoc by interfering with our hormone system. They’re called endocrine disruptors and they throw off the regular functioning of the hormone system, causing a...

Tampon shortage: Beware ‘forever chemicals’ in backup options

First there was a baby formula shortage, bare shelves where there should have been rows of packages. Now there’s a tampon supply problem – and publications from the New York Times and Sacramento Bee...

Are food and consumer product chemicals contributing to our obesity crisis?

The food industry insists America’s obesity crisis can be chalked up to simple math – people eat too much and exercise too little.

Spotlighting women’s health for Women’s Health Month

Women’s relationship to the environment is unique in many ways, with lifestyle choices and habits presenting special challenges, because some of the personal care products they use may contain harmful...

Study finds new link between lead in private waters wells and juvenile delinquency

A first-time study of the link between early-life exposure to lead in private water wells and juvenile delinquency finds that children who get lead-laced drinking water from private wells have much...

New lawsuit contends period products contain ‘forever chemicals’

Period products have come under fire in the past for containing high levels of the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Now another manufacturer of period underwear is in legal hot water because their...

Pervasive phthalates: New study links child exposure to cancer

Exposure to phthalates is widespread in the U.S., with more than three in four adults having detectable levels of the chemicals in their urine. And now a new study suggests an association between...

The vital nutrition facts you’re missing when buying groceries online

When you’re shopping for groceries online, you’re likely missing out on vital nutritional information. That’s because the law requiring these facts to be printed on food product labels is a few...

Why is EWG talking about plant-based foods and the climate crisis?

It’s no secret we’re living through a period of unprecedented and catastrophic climate change, and every day serious problems from the crisis become more apparent.

Does cell phone radiation affect men’s fertility?

Cell phone use – and exposure to radiofrequency radiation – can harm male fertility, according to a new study.

Can plant-based foods end Big Meat’s monopoly and help the climate?

Meat prices are skyrocketing, in part because just four meat companies control 85 percent of U.S. beef supplies. In response, President Joe Biden this week introduced an action plan targeting...

Why food prices are rising – and how to save money on groceries

If you suspect your grocery bill is getting pricier, it’s not your imagination.

EWG’s 2021 gift guide

It’s hard enough to figure out the perfect gift for some people on your holiday shopping list. It can be more difficult when you factor in a desire to protect the health of your family and the...

Cosmetic face masks that pamper – without toxic chemicals

We could all use a little pampering these days – and cosmetic face masks are a great idea ever. But some are made with chemicals that might harm you.

Hosting for the holidays without serving up toxic chemicals

Here’s how to assemble a healthier charcuterie board this season.

Study: Lead detected in more than half of U.S. kids under age 6

A new study of children in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia finds more than half had detectable levels of lead in their blood. The proportion of children with lead in their blood...

New EWG framework overlays demographic data, cumulative cancer risk from tap water contamination

A new framework developed by EWG scientists will help U.S. state and federal efforts to improve drinking water quality and advance the priorities of environmental equity.

Study: Certified organic packaged foods contain fewer ingredients linked to negative health effects

Questions persist about just how much healthier organic produce is compared to conventional food, yet until now, no study has systematically considered the differences between organic and non-organic...