Latest news with #AlexaFriedman
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These foods are new to the ‘dirty dozen' list of those with pesticide residue
Eating healthy can be enough of a chore without having to worry about consuming potentially harmful pesticides. But, new research from Environmental Working Group, a U.S. advocacy group also known as EWG, has found that more than 17 percent of non-organic fresh produce sold to Americans contains the residues of harmful pesticides. Relying on data from the Department of Agriculture, the group has released its annual list of foods they deem 'dirty' and 'clean' to help consumers make better-informed choices at the grocery store. 'EWG recommends shoppers seeking fresh produce with low pesticide residues buy organic versions of items on EWG's Dirty Dozen and either organic or conventional versions of produce on the Clean Fifteen,' EWG Senior Scientist Dr. Alexa Friedman said in a statement. 'There are also many organic and Clean Fifteen options in the frozen food aisle.' In total, more than 50 different pesticides were found on samples from each of the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables, with the exception of cherries. But, that doesn't mean people should stop eating the produce. 'Everyone should eat more fruits and vegetables – organic or conventional,' said Friedman. 'But for those who want to reduce their exposure to pesticides, the Shopper's Guide can be a powerful tool to avoid consuming potentially harmful chemicals.' So, which foods do they advise you avoid of the nearly 50 in their analysis? Here's what to know... Spinach had more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce the group tested. Three-quarters of non-organic or conventional samples of the nutrient-rich vegetable are contaminated with a neurotoxic insecticide known as permethrin. It's often used to ward off mosquitoes, but can overwhelm the nervous system and result in tremors and seizures. Previous research has also found a link between lower-level exposure and neurological effects in children. Other fungicides have been used on spinach, including mandipropamid, fluopicolide, and ametoctradin, EWG said. The average American eats approximately eight pounds of strawberries annually. However, testing has found that the red fruit were the fresh produce item most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues – even after they are picked and washed. They may come with dozens of pesticides, including the hormone-disrupting carbendazim and insecticide bifenthrin Some 86 percent of samples of leafy greens had detectable levels of two or more pesticide residues and nearly 60 percent of kale samples were contaminated with residues of a pesticide considered to be a possible carcinogen. Some 100 different pesticides have been found in leafy greens, including the potential carcinogen DCPA. Last August, the EPA issued an emergency suspension of all uses of DCPA. It can harm the lungs, liver, kidney, and thyroid. Grapes can also contain insecticides and fungicides. This is also true abroad, in India and Europe. Previously, more than 96 percent of grapes tested positive for pesticide residues. A summer staple, 99 percent of peaches were found to be contaminated in a previous test with 900 samples. 'The pesticides detected on peaches include fungicides, applied to control mold, as well as insecticides that can harm the nervous system of insects, wildlife and people,' the EWG said. The EWG has said in the past that an average of five pesticide residues were found on cherry samples. That includes iprodione, a fungicide that has been classified as a likely human carcinogen. The EWG has detected residues in nearly 94 percent of nectarine samples. One sample contained more than 15 different pesticide residues. More than six out of 10 non-organic pears recently tested by the Department of Agriculture have traces of five or more pesticides. That marks a dramatic jump from earlier tests. Furthermore, 95 percent of samples had at least one pesticide. Diphenylamine is used on apples to prevent them from developing brown or black patches. The chemical was found in 60 percent of tests on 334 raw non-organic samples. The EPA contends that diphenylamine treatment does not pose a risk to human health, but there are concerns regarding the presence of cancer-causing chemicals that may form on apples when diphenylamine is combined with nitrogen-containing compounds. Blackberries are a new addition to the 'dirty dozen.' The first test of the berries found than 93 percent of samples had pesticide residues, for an average of four different pesticides per sample. The pesticide cypermethrin, classified as a possible human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, was detected on just over half of conventional blackberry samples. Blueberries are returning with traces of several toxic pesticides. They have been found on 90 percent of conventional samples. The insecticides phosmet and malathion have been found on blueberries. They are toxic to the human nervous system. Potatoes are also new to the list this year. They're also the most consumed vegetable in the U.S. New data, however, has revealed that 90 percent of samples contained chlorpropham, which can cause eye and skin irritation and other more severe problems.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 toxic ingredients lurking in your skincare and hair products. What to avoid
When you apply your moisturizer in the morning, how closely are you paying attention to the ingredients in it? What about your shampoo, hairspray, or makeup? It turns out, these products that often have direct contact with our skin could be exposing us to several toxic chemicals, according to experts at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental research and advocacy organization. 'Most of these ingredients are not tested for safety before they enter the market,' EWG environmental epidemiologist Alexa Friedman tells Fortune. Starting this year, California no longer allows cosmetic companies to manufacture their products with 12 ingredients that the European Union already banned, according to the newly enacted law. While several other states have banned harmful ingredients like formaldehyde and phthalates in personal care products—according to Safer States, a national alliance of environmental health organizations—there are still numerous potentially dangerous ingredients in cosmetics, experts warn. Friedman says that the main issue isn't as much single ingredients as it is the combination of chemicals found in cosmetics, in addition to toxins in the water and the air we breathe. 'We aren't just exposed to these chemicals in our personal care products,' Friedman says. 'It's really about the totality of exposure—something we call 'body burden.' Exposure to chemical mixtures has been associated with worse health outcomes than exposure to a single chemical.' Many of the ingredients on this list have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer, the EWG reports. They recently identified the common hazardous ingredients found in products marketed to Black women, which included undisclosed fragrances, lilial, and some formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Here's what to look for on your personal product labels to avoid potentially harmful chemicals and reduce your overall 'body burden.' Products are certainly more appealing when they smell good, but the fragrances that some companies use may be hiding harmful chemicals, Friedman says. 'Undisclosed fragrance' blends 'can mean that there's 300 different chemicals in that product,' she says. While many of those ingredients are likely safe, she adds, companies aren't required to disclose all of these ingredients in these blends. 'The issue is that consumers don't know what's in their products,' Friedman says. What to look for on the label: Avoid lilial, "fragrance/parfum/perfume" without disclosure of specific ingredients. Formaldehyde has been ruled a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning it is directly linked to causing cancer in humans. Studies have linked formaldehyde to cancer of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat, behind the nose) and nasal sinuses, as well as leukemia. According to the American Cancer Society and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), formaldehyde is found in hair smoothing treatments, known as keratin treatments and personal care products like shampoo and liquid baby soaps. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states that formaldehyde could be directly added to products, or it could be released from other added ingredients. What to look for on the label: Quaternium-15 DMDM hydantoin imidazolidinyl urea Diazolidinyl urea Polyoxymethylene urea Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate Bronopol Glyoxal Methylene glycol has been found to be toxicologically equivalent to formaldehyde, also used in hair-straightening treatments and products. The process of heating those products containing methylene glycol releases formaldehyde into the air, according to the European Union, which humans can then breathe in. What to look for on the label: Methylene glycol. This chemical, found in many makeup, lotions, and other skincare and haircare products, according to the EWG, is used as a preservative. It has the potential to release formaldehyde, Friedman says, in addition to causing skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. What to look for on the label: words ending "-monium chloride," that start or have "quaternium.' Common QACs include: Behentrimonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, and stearalkonium chloride. Phthalates are a class of chemicals commonly used in fragrances to make scents last longer and adhere to the skin, the EWG says. It's important to note that not all chemicals in a class are known to be harmful, with some phthalates having been reported to have worse effects on health than others; however, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, associated with health impacts on the development of the brain and reproductive outcomes, like preterm birth. The EWG says phthalates used in products include: Dibutylphthalate (DBP), used in nail polishes Dimethylphthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays Diethylphthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative While the EPA has classified dibutyl phthalates (DBP) as Group D—meaning there's not enough data to conclude that it's carcinogenic to humans. The EWG, however, has raised concerns based on animal studies that found that prenatal exposure to DBP impacts reproductive system development in baby boys, and is correlated with changes in serum hormone levels, lower sperm concentration and motility, and decreased fertility in adult men. While DBP is found in some nail polishes and nail treatment products, according to the EWG, the EPA says that the largest source of dibutyl phthalates is in food, particularly fish and seafood. What to look for on the label: Words ending in "-phthalate." Like phthalates, parabens are a class of chemicals, used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food that has been linked to endocrine disruption. The FDA says that parabens are common preservatives in cosmetic products like makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products. Studies show that long-term exposure to parabens can lead to obesity, infertility, and may be linked to several cancers. Parabens can mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors. What to look for on the label: Words that end in '-paraben.' Examples include propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, or PFAS, are known endocrine disruptors used widely in industrial settings, and are commonly found in waterproof products and nonstick pans. They are known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down in our bodies or in the environment—and with more exposure, the concentration only builds, in a process known as bioaccumulation. Linda Birnbaum, retired former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, previously told Fortune that PFAS exposure can lead to endocrine disruption, impacting: Glucose metabolism Thyroid function Fat metabolism Bone metabolism Reproductive hormones, which can lead to infertility and certain cancers including breast, kidney, and prostate. The FDA states PFAS can found in cosmetics like: Lipsticks Eyeshadows Moisturizers Rouges Nail polish and enamel Blushers Cleansers They are used to condition and smooth the skin and hair, or to improve product consistency and texture. The FDA reports that some cosmetics may be contaminated with PFAS unintentionally as the result of raw material impurities. What to look for on the label: Words that begin with 'perfluoro-' or 'polyfluoro-.' These chemicals are used as an anti-microbial preservative, Friedman says, and can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. What to look for on the label: Words ending in "-isothiazolinone," especially methylisothiazolinone or methylchloroisothiazolinone. If you want to know where your state stands on banning these and other potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients, here is a helpful chart that shows which states have already banned, or proposed legislation to ban or limit the use of, certain ingredients. 'Until states started stepping in and identifying some of the worst ingredients and banning them, no one was really looking,' says lawyer and EWG's vice president of government affairs, Melanie Benesh. 'No one was really holding the cosmetics industry accountable in government.' Additionally, the EWG has put together a database of cosmetic products that rates their safety based on ingredients and current science. 'It's overwhelming to hear that there are chemicals in your personal care products,' Friedman says. But having the knowledge of what products to avoid is an easy step you can take, she adds, to add another layer of protection. More on chemicals: Microplastics are everywhere. Here are 5 ways to reduce your exposure The truth about American drinking water: Report shows widespread presence of hazardous chemicals Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are everywhere. Here's how to reduce your exposure Tea bags and these 11 foods are likely exposing you to billions of microplastics This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Synthetic hair marketed toward Black women contains carcinogens and lead, report finds
Ingredients that can cause cancer were found in 10 synthetic hair products used in braids, extensions and other hairstyles popular with Black women, including artificial hair from popular brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-N-Go, according to a Consumer Reports study published Thursday. Lead, which can cause serious health and developmental problems, was also found in nine of the 10 packs of synthetic hair surveyed, including one package of braiding hair that exceeded the maximum allowed dose of lead by more than 600%, according to the study. Consumer Reports used California's maximum allowable dosage level, describing it as the 'most protective available in the U.S.,' because there are no federal limits on lead in synthetic braiding hair. Synthetic hair has long been a staple in protective hairstyles for Black women — like braids, locs and twists. These styles can be worn for weeks at a time, protecting the hair from breakage, exposure to the elements or day-to-day heat styling. This translates to longer exposure to the chemicals, Consumer Reports said. Synthetic hair is commonly found at neighborhood beauty supply stores and online. Consumer Reports researchers assessed braiding hair from 10 companies, many of which use synthetic hair made from Kanekalon, a material produced by the Kaneka brand, according to Consumer Reports. Kaneka did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment, but told Consumer Reports, 'Kaneka only manufactures the Kanekalon fibers that are used in various hair products, such as synthetic hair braids and wigs, and does not produce any of the final products.' The braiding hair companies themselves dye and style the Kanekalon, Kaneka added. The company also told Consumer Reports it would need more information to properly analyze the complaint. Sensationnel, Magic Fingers and other products contain benzene, known to be a cancer-causing ingredient, according to the study. The chemical likely causes acute myeloid leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society. Consumer Reports also found methylene chloride, which the EPA says can lead to liver and lung cancer after chronic exposure. No level of methylene chloride is permitted in cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration. 'There is no safe level of exposure to lead or benzene,' Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy health organization, said. 'When possible, exposure to either chemical should be avoided as they are associated with serious health effects.' Nine of the 10 products tested also contained lead, the report found. Lead can cause a number of developmental disabilities in children, as well as reproductive issues in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'There are no federal limits on the amount of lead in synthetic braiding products,' Friedman said. 'Lead is not permitted to be intentionally added to cosmetic products in the US but may be present as a contamination of certain ingredients.' Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-n-Go did not immediately respond to NBC News' requests for comment. Magic Fingers told Consumer Reports that its customers 'can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance.' Sensationnel told Consumer Reports, 'We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products.' 'While most of these products are below the FDA standard for lead contamination in cosmetics, when possible exposure to lead should be avoided,' Friedman said. Both Magic Fingers and Sensationnel did not agree with the methodology used to test the products, saying it was not representative of consumers' use of the products. Consumer Reports tested 10 artificial braiding hair products and a total of 20 samples, blind-coding them and sending them to a laboratory for heavy metal analysis. Shake-n-Go did not respond to Consumer Reports' request for comment. In 2022, companies that make chemical hair relaxers, which straighten hair, were sued in a class-action lawsuit by hundreds of Black people who said the products led to uterine cancer. Several wide-scale studies have been published in recent years showing heightened rates of cancer, infertility and other illnesses among women who use chemical hair relaxers, which are generally marketed to Black women. Friedman said the Consumer Reports study highlights an 'alarming trend' of toxic products being marketed toward Black women, which the organization tracks. 'On average, women use 12 personal care products a day, which can expose people to mixtures of harmful chemicals,' Friedman said in a statement, 'And studies show that repeated exposure to mixtures of chemicals can pose far greater health risks than exposure to a single ingredient.' EWG tested more than 4,000 products marketed toward Black women and found that most of them were at least moderately, if not highly, hazardous to human health. EWG has developed a database, Skin Deep, where consumers can look up beauty products and see whether they're classified as low, moderately or highly hazardous by the group. 'Everyone deserves access to safe products,' Friedman said. 'Manufacturers should prioritize safety for consumers.' This article was originally published on
NBC News
03-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Synthetic hair marketed toward Black women contains carcinogens and lead, report finds
Ingredients that can cause cancer were found in 10 synthetic hair products used in braids, extensions and other hairstyles popular with Black women, including artificial hair from popular brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-N-Go, according to a Consumer Reports study published Thursday. Lead, which can cause serious health and developmental problems, was also found in nine of the 10 packs of synthetic hair surveyed, including one package of braiding hair that exceeded the maximum allowed dose of lead by more than 600%, according to the study. Consumer Reports used California's maximum allowable dosage level, describing it as the 'most protective available in the U.S.,' because there are no federal limits on lead in synthetic braiding hair. Synthetic hair has long been a staple in protective hairstyles for Black women — like braids, locs and twists. These styles can be worn for weeks at a time, protecting the hair from breakage, exposure to the elements or day-to-day heat styling. This translates to longer exposure to the chemicals, Consumer Reports said. Synthetic hair is commonly found at neighborhood beauty supply stores and online. Consumer Reports researchers assessed braiding hair from 10 companies, many of which use synthetic hair made from Kanekalon, a material produced by the Kaneka brand, according to Consumer Reports. Kaneka did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment, but told Consumer Reports, 'Kaneka only manufactures the Kanekalon fibers that are used in various hair products, such as synthetic hair braids and wigs, and does not produce any of the final products.' The braiding hair companies themselves dye and style the Kanekalon, Kaneka added. The company also told Consumer Reports it would need more information to properly analyze the complaint. Sensationnel, Magic Fingers and other products contain benzene, known to be a cancer-causing ingredient, according to the study. The chemical likely causes acute myeloid leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society. Consumer Reports also found methylene chloride, which the EPA says can lead to liver and lung cancer after chronic exposure. No level of methylene chloride is permitted in cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration. 'There is no safe level of exposure to lead or benzene,' Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy health organization, said. 'When possible, exposure to either chemical should be avoided as they are associated with serious health effects.' Nine of the 10 products tested also contained lead, the report found. Lead can cause a number of developmental disabilities in children, as well as reproductive issues in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'There are no federal limits on the amount of lead in synthetic braiding products,' Friedman said. 'Lead is not permitted to be intentionally added to cosmetic products in the US but may be present as a contamination of certain ingredients.' Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-n-Go did not immediately respond to NBC News' requests for comment. Magic Fingers told Consumer Reports that its customers 'can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance.' Sensationnel told Consumer Reports, 'We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products.' 'While most of these products are below the FDA standard for lead contamination in cosmetics, when possible exposure to lead should be avoided,' Friedman said. Both Magic Fingers and Sensationnel did not agree with the methodology used to test the products, saying it was not representative of consumers' use of the products. Consumer Reports tested 10 artificial braiding hair products and a total of 20 samples, blind-coding them and sending them to a laboratory for heavy metal analysis. Shake-n-Go did not respond to Consumer Reports' request for comment. In 2022, companies that make chemical hair relaxers, which straighten hair, were sued in a class-action lawsuit by hundreds of Black people who said the products led to uterine cancer. Several wide-scale studies have been published in recent years showing heightened rates of cancer, infertility and other illnesses among women who use chemical hair relaxers, which are generally marketed to Black women. Friedman said the Consumer Reports study highlights an 'alarming trend' of toxic products being marketed toward Black women, which the organization tracks. 'On average, women use 12 personal care products a day, which can expose people to mixtures of harmful chemicals,' Friedman said in a statement, 'And studies show that repeated exposure to mixtures of chemicals can pose far greater health risks than exposure to a single ingredient.' EWG tested more than 4,000 products marketed toward Black women and found that most of them were at least moderately, if not highly, hazardous to human health. EWG has developed a database, Skin Deep, where consumers can look up beauty products and see whether they're classified as low, moderately or highly hazardous by the group. 'Everyone deserves access to safe products,' Friedman said. 'Manufacturers should prioritize safety for consumers.'
