Environmental Working Group

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have risen 73% since 2016, and known risk factors don’t fully explain the increase.

Researchers are looking at another piece of the puzzle: exposure to environmental chemicals, including PFAS, phthalates and certain metals.

Chemicals likely aren’t the whole story. But research suggests some exposures may be linked to HDP risk, which is one reason reducing exposure where you can may be worthwhile.

The good news? Small changes can help reduce everyday exposures without overhauling your routine.

Full article: https://ow.ly/LVbs50ZUuZ4

Pumpkin spice season is officially here, but what’s actually behind that pumpkin flavor? 🎃

Starbucks sells about 20 million pumpkin spice lattes a year, and there's a reason it's hard to stop at one. Research links ultra-processed foods and drinks to actual cravings – even addiction.

That doesn't mean you have to skip your fall favorites. It means it's worth knowing the difference between the real thing and the version built to keep you coming back.

Check your pumpkin spice pick on EWG's Food Scores: https://ow.ly/Z0eX50ZU4ZP

California just made balcony solar easier to access.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, making California the 10th state to remove barriers to balcony solar.

The law sets strict safety standards. Every qualifying system must be under a 1,200-watt limit and certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure consumer and grid safety.

“This new law will deliver cleaner power, greater energy independence and real savings for consumers,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG’s senior vice president for California.

Thank you to Scott Wiener, our fellow sponsor the Abundance Network, Governor Gavin Newsom for signing it into law and everyone who helped move this legislation forward.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/UvLE50ZTm2R

There's no clear, standard label to help shoppers identify foods that aren't ultra-processed. California is changing that.

Gov. Newsom has signed AB 2244, which directs the state to create a label bearing the phrase "non-ultra-processed certified." A food won't qualify if it contains substances or additives, including dyes, flavor enhancers, non-sugar sweeteners or processing aids, used to manipulate the taste or quality of foods to make them hyperpalatable or irresistible.

Large grocery stores will also be required to display certified products so shoppers can easily find them. This applies to stores that sell more than 25 individual non-UPF-certified products and bring in more than $10 million in annual sales.

The bill received bipartisan support from legislators in the Assembly and Senate.

EWG is proud to have sponsored AB 2244. Thank you to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for authoring the bill and Governor Gavin Newsom for signing it into law.

Read more: https://ow.ly/LSzV50ZSskz

It's official: AB 1901 is now law! 🎉

If you've been following along, you know why this one matters.

The average baby goes through more than 8,000 diaper changes, yet federal law doesn't require diaper manufacturers to disclose what’s in their products. Right now, companies can hide chemicals behind broad terms like "fragrance," "adhesives" and "colors."

California's new law will change that.

Manufacturers will have to disclose every ingredient’s name on the diaper package, and will have to disclose CAS number and function online. That goes further than any existing state law.

And the impact could reach far beyond California. Diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California will have to meet these new disclosure requirements, and some manufacturers may choose to bring the same transparency to products sold nationwide rather than create different labels for different markets.

Online disclosure begins January 1, 2029, with on-package disclosure following July 1, 2029.

Until then, EWG’s Guide to Safer Diapers can help you navigate the market, and you can look for the EWG Verified® mark.

A huge thank you to Assemblymember Marc Berman for authoring AB 1901, to our co-sponsors Consumer Reports, Children Now and Center for Environmental Health and to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing it into law.

And thank you to everyone who followed, shared and helped push this effort forward. 💚

Read more: https://ow.ly/AFLZ50ZSs2j

California grows much of the produce that feeds the nation. Now the state will have a clearer picture of the PFAS pesticides being used on those crops.

Gov. Newsom has signed AB 1603, requiring California's Department of Pesticide Regulation to systematically track PFAS pesticide use and disclose it publicly.

The law defines PFAS pesticides as a class, consistent with other California laws already addressing these chemicals, so tracking and disclosure can't be sidestepped with chemical-by-chemical loopholes.

That transparency matters. EWG found that more than 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides are applied to California crops each year. Yet until now the state has lacked comprehensive data showing the full scope of that use.

PFAS are extremely persistent chemicals, and the most well-studied PFAS have been linked to serious health harms. Meanwhile the federal EPA continues to approve new PFAS pesticides at an accelerating pace, including three in July.

Tracking won't solve the problem on its own. However, reliable data could help inform future action, from use restrictions and farmer transition support to water monitoring and more.

Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom and bill author Assemblymember Nick Schultz along with our co-sponsors Californians for Pesticide Reform, Center for Environmental Health & Pesticide Action Network North America for moving this transparency measure forward.

Read the full news release: https://ow.ly/ZZaY50ZShWx

The EWG Verified Pop-up wouldn’t be possible without them 💚

From skincare to cleaning to baby care, the brands joining us in SoHo are helping us bring safer product discovery to life in person.

Swipe through to meet this year's sponsors! From now until October 9, get two tickets for a single $20 donation. Register here: https://www.ewg.org/verifiedevents/register/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=2026EWGVPopUp&utm_medium=social.

📍 188 Lafayette St., SoHo
🗓️ October 17 & 18 | 11am-5pm
🛍️ Complimentary full-size products