Moving from toxic chemicals to safer alternatives
The problem: Throughout our lives, we’re exposed to toxic chemicals in our food, water, air and homes — often all at once — because protections are too weak. These hazardous chemicals harm children’s development and increase our risk of cancer and asthma. Living or working near factories manufacturing these chemicals puts people at even greater risk.
What we’re doing about it: We work with community advocates, scientists and decision makers to phase out hazardous ingredients and move to safer substitutes — and to make sure new technologies protect people and the planet. We also push for stronger oversight to protect people from being exposed to multiple toxic chemicals, from many sources, over time.
Our work reducing people’s risk from toxic chemicals
- Expert Voices
FDA allows 25 chemicals linked to cancer to be used in food system
- Explainer
Protections against toxic chemicals are under attack in the U.S.
- Initiative
Lead pipes that deliver drinking water are a major health threat
- Article
Families celebrate EPA ban on killer paint stripper chemical
- Initiative
Reducing harmful chemicals in our food
- Blog post
Unveiling EDF’s Chemical Exposure Action Map
Updates
Read the latest articles, blogs and press releases on safer chemicals.
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Trump EPA weakens national drinking water protections for toxic “forever chemicals”
Press release, -
FDA’s new post-market food chemical safety program a step forward, but gaps leave Americans at risk
Press release, -
Why “feasibility” is a dangerous, slippery slope for chemical reviews
Blog post, -
FDA allows 25 chemicals linked to cancer to be used in food system
Expert Voices, -
Here’s why centering communities on the frontlines of pollution can lead to more health-protective regulations
Blog post, -
Food safety bills should prioritize health, not industry profits
Press release,
Safer chemicals resources
Dig deeper into our work with these resources for researchers, policymakers, journalists and communities.
- Explainer
This bedrock chemical safety law protects people in the U.S.
- Explainer
Broken GRAS: How the FDA lets unsafe ingredients into our food
- Interactive tool
Map of public lead service line replacement programs in the U.S.
- Interactive tool
Chemical Exposure Action Map
- Report
Cumulative risk assessment framework
- Timeline
Unleaded: Inside EDF’s 50-year battle against lead
Our chemical safety experts
Media contact
Cecile Brown
(202) 271-6534 (office)
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