A study by Silent Spring Institute identified dozens of hazardous chemicals in hair extensions, including products made from human hair. The analysis revealed chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems, prompting calls for stronger oversight and policy change.
A new study led by Silent Spring Institute examines how job-related chemical exposures contribute to breast cancer risk among foreign-born workers. Immigrant women are overrepresented in high-risk jobs with fewer health and safety protections, facing unique barriers to avoiding toxic exposures at work.
A new study reveals that over half of Black and Latina women reported using personal care products with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, highlighting critical safety gaps in product regulation. The study found that these chemicals are present in a wide range of products, including shampoo, lotions, and eyelash glue.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute reveals how California's Proposition 65 law has driven companies to reformulate products, reducing the use of toxic chemicals and promoting safer consumer goods. The research found that companies prioritize eliminating Prop 65 chemicals altogether to avoid warnings and litigation.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
A new study suggests that addressing plastic pollution could play a critical role in lowering breast cancer rates. Researchers identified nearly half of the chemicals linked to breast cancer risk as being used in plastics, including 175 potential carcinogens that should be prioritized for regulatory action.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute has identified multiple chemical exposures in firefighters that increase their risk of developing breast cancer. The research found 12 hazardous substances, including benzene and flame retardants, that put female firefighters at increased risk for the disease.
A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
Scientists have discovered a way to predict breast cancer risk based on specific chemical traits, identifying over 900 chemicals that could contribute to the disease. These chemicals are commonly found in consumer products, food, and workplaces, and can alter hormones or damage DNA.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute and University of California, Berkeley found over 100 product types contain Prop 65 VOCs, posing significant health risks. The analysis revealed more than 5,000 tons of toxic chemicals are released from consumer products in homes and workplaces every year.
A new study finds that many children's products, including those labeled as water- or stain-resistant, contain harmful PFAS chemicals. The research highlights the need for stricter safety standards in green certifications and retailer accountability to prevent toxic chemical pollution.
A new study identifies hundreds of chemicals that may increase breast cancer risk by stimulating hormone production. The chemicals include pesticides and ingredients in personal care products.
A large survey of women in California found significant racial and ethnic differences in personal care product use, with Black women more heavily exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The study aims to fill the gap in data on products used by women of color and informs guidance for self-protection and policy development.
A new study shows that replacing couches with no added flame retardants significantly decreases levels of toxic chemicals in household dust. Replacing foam inside cushions is also effective, confirming that choosing healthier furniture can make a big difference in people's everyday exposures to these toxic chemicals.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute found that consumers who avoid products containing endocrine disruptors, such as parabens and BPA, have significantly lower levels of these chemicals in their bodies. The study showed that reading ingredient labels and avoiding certain products can reduce exposures to these harmful chemicals.
Researchers found high levels of toxic flame retardants in college classroom dust, with outdated furniture showing significantly lower levels. The study highlights the need to reduce harmful exposures and create healthier indoor environments, especially in institutions like colleges, offices, libraries, and hospitals.
Researchers found 28 pesticides linked to mammary gland tumors, but EPA acknowledged only nine, highlighting the need for updated guidelines. The study also identified endocrine disruptors that can trigger breast cancer development.
Scientists have identified key mechanisms within cells that disrupt breast cancer development when exposed to environmental chemicals. The study provides a roadmap for regulators to identify potential breast carcinogens and develop safer products.
Researchers at Silent Spring Institute found that anonymized environmental health data can be traced back to individuals. The study highlights the need for greater protections for participants in human research studies, particularly with the proposed federal rule by EPA requiring scientists to make their data public.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute found that people who eat more meals at home have lower levels of PFAS in their bodies. Consuming fast food and eating out frequently are associated with higher exposures to these chemicals.
A new study shows replacing flame retardant-free foam pit cubes can significantly lower gymnast exposures, with a 5.4-fold decrease observed. The switch also has implications for other recreational facilities with similar equipment.
A new study found that over 5.6 million Americans are at risk of health problems due to high nitrate levels in their drinking water. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable, with higher proportions serving water systems with elevated nitrate levels.
A new analysis reveals states adopting guideline levels lower than the US EPA's health advisory levels for PFAS, highlighting the need for enforceable federal standards. States consider additional health effects, such as developmental problems and cancer risk, in their decisions.
A new study links certain consumer behaviors, including flossing with Oral-B Glide, to elevated levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in the body. The findings suggest that consumers can limit their exposures by modifying their behavior and choosing flosses without PFAS.
A new report by Silent Spring Institute finds that dozens of hazardous chemicals are present in hair products marketed at Black women, including hormone-disrupting chemicals and fragrance chemicals. The study highlights the need for better disclosure of ingredients and encourages manufacturers to develop safer products.
Exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly during key windows of susceptibility, increases breast cancer risk. The review highlights the importance of precautionary approaches and stronger chemical safety policies.
Researchers found that low-income households living in subsidized housing are exposed to hazardous chemicals from building materials and personal care products. The study highlights the need for broader green building standards to address indoor air pollution, particularly in vulnerable communities.
A study by Silent Spring Institute found high levels of toxic flame retardants in dust on college campuses, including carcinogens and hormone disruptors. The researchers detected 47 different chemicals and found that 41% of dorm rooms had levels above health risk screening levels.
A comprehensive analysis found over two dozen toxic highly fluorinated chemicals in fast food packaging, including a phased-out substance. These chemicals have been linked to various health problems, and their persistence in the environment poses long-term risks.
Researchers found that when participants understand the implications of data sharing, they are willing to consent. The study's findings could inform revisions to the Common Rule, requiring researchers to obtain consent from patients for using their biological samples and personal data through public online databases.
Researchers at Silent Spring Institute found 27 unregulated contaminants in private well water samples on Cape Cod, including pharmaceuticals and flame retardants. The study suggests that backyard septic systems are likely the source of contamination, which poses health risks to 44 million Americans relying on private wells.
A new study suggests that lower doses of parabens, commonly found in personal care products, may stimulate breast cancer cell growth at concentrations 100 times lower than previously thought. The researchers also found that parabens can interact with other agents to increase breast cancer risk.
A new study found that people are contaminated with several toxic flame retardants, including TCEP, a carcinogen linked to cancer and reproductive harm. The study identifies biomarkers for detection in urine samples, opening up research into the group of chemicals.
A peer-reviewed study found that most houses have levels of at least one flame retardant exceeding federal health guidelines, with hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and chemicals of unknown safety profiles detected. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives to phase out hazardous chemicals.