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Moving from toxic chemicals to safer alternatives
The problem: Millions of people are exposed to harmful chemicals in food, personal care products and other consumer goods — many of which are made using fossil fuels. People who live or work near chemical facilities are also at much higher risk of illness or death, and 6-10 million U.S. households get their drinking water through toxic lead pipes.
What we’re doing about it: We’re working with communities, scientists, governments and industry to reduce the risks from toxic chemicals by changing how manufacturers make and use them and moving toward the safest possible alternatives. Our goal is to drive demand for safer products and ensure access to safer drinking water by replacing lead pipes.
Our work reducing people’s risk from toxic chemicals
- Blog post
Unveiling EDF’s Chemical Exposure Action Map
- Explainer
Why we’re concerned about BPA in food
- Initiative
Lead pipes: A threat to kids across the U.S.
- Article
Protect yourself from harmful chemicals in drinking water
- Blog
Read more about environmental health policy on our Deep Dives blog
- Blog
Read the latest updates from our experts on the EDF Health blog
Updates
Read the latest articles, blogs and press releases on safer chemicals.
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Cumulative assessment better estimates the real-world risks chemicals pose on our health
Blog post, -
Families celebrate EPA ban on killer paint stripper chemical
Article, -
Appeals Court Refuses to Block EPA Action Slashing Toxic Air Pollution in Louisiana
Press release, -
First things first: vinyl chloride data updates and our case for stronger evaluations
Blog post, -
Hurricanes’ hidden risk: toxic chemicals
Article, -
Environmental Advocates Join Court Case in Defense of EPA Action to Reduce Cancer-Causing Air Pollution
Press release,
Safer chemicals resources
Dig deeper into our work with these resources for researchers, policymakers, journalists and communities.
- Interactive tool
Chemical Exposure Action Map
- Project
EDF identifies top 10 U.S. cities with the most lead pipes
- Solutions
Cumulative risk assessment framework
- Article
Give your newborn a healthy start with this guide to getting toxics out of your home
- Overview
What we're doing about PFAS in food
- Explainer
Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
Our chemical safety experts
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Sarah Vogel
Senior Vice President, Healthy Communities
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Roya Alkafaji
Manager, Healthy Communities
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Maria Doa
Senior Director, Chemicals Policy
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Samantha Liskow
Lead Counsel, Health
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Lindsay McCormick
Senior Program Manager, Safer Chemicals
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Paige Varner
Scientist, Healthy Communities
Partner perspective
EDF uses its scientific expertise to expose critical flaws in America’s chemicals policy.
Beth Jordan, M.D.
Medical director, Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
Media contact
Cecile Brown
(202) 271-6534 (office)