How to Tell if PFAS are in Your Personal Care Products
PFAS are synthetic chemicals known as forever chemicals because they persist in the environment. Numerous studies link PFAS to a number of health and environmental risks. Examples include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, infertility and thyroid disease. Unfortunately, these harmful substances have been detected in a wide range of consumer products. For example, dental floss is oftentimes […]
Loophole Allows Food Companies To Approve Chemicals in Food
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) plays a vital role in ensuring that food products are safe for public consumption. However, a regulatory loophole known as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) allows food companies to approve certain chemicals for use in food without FDA oversight. This self-approval system raises concerns about food safety and […]
Recent Recalls of Children and Baby Products
Recent product recalls highlight the importance of consumer safety, especially when it comes to items used by infants and toddlers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) plays a crucial role in protecting the public by ensuring that dangerous products are taken off the market. Two recent recalls of Fisher-Price swings and Gimars playpens serve […]
Antiviral Product Claims
Introduction The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued interim guidance for evaluating products that claim to be effective against viruses. This new framework is designed to help manufacturers and regulators streamline the evaluation of products, such as disinfectants, that assert effectiveness against emerging viral pathogens (EVPs) like SARS-CoV-2. Focus on Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs) One […]
EPA Regulation Expansion for HFCs
Introduction The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated regulations to further limit the release of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. This move builds on the agency’s efforts under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to phase down the use of HFCs, a key contributor to […]
The Dangers of Microplastics
What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters. They come from larger plastic debris that breaks down over time. Corporations produce some microplastics intentionally for use in products like toothpaste and cosmetics. We can now find these tiny pieces of plastic everywhere in the world, from the deepest oceans […]
New Study Exposes Global PFAS Contamination Crisis
In a groundbreaking study published in the Nature Geoscience journal, researchers unveil the shocking prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface waters and groundwaters worldwide. Titled “Underestimated Burden of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Global Surface Waters and Groundwaters,” the study offers critical insights into the extensive contamination of these vital water sources. […]
Widely Used PFAS Removal Technology
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals found in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant clothing. Their widespread use has led to contamination of drinking water sources worldwide. PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and linked to adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system issues. In 2024, the […]
FDA Sends Warning Letter to AbbVie for TV Ads
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees rules regarding broadcasting by pharmaceutical companies. Importantly, the FDA wants to ensure that consumers receive the information they need to make effective decisions about their health and drug options. Interestingly, the FDA recently issued a warning letter to AbbVie, Inc. (AbbVie) regarding television advertisements for its a […]
The Dangers of Baby Products Sold on Shein and Temu
Online marketplaces like SHEIN and Temu have become increasingly popular in the United States, offering baby clothing, toys, and accessories at very low prices. While affordability and convenience appeal to many parents, questions have been raised about the safety of some baby products sold through these platforms. This article explains why safety concerns exist, what […]