Chemical Reform Agenda
PEER has a long track record of representing whistleblowers and working with anonymous government employees who want to hold their agencies accountable for protecting public health and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution.
Our work focuses on five areas:
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Protecting scientists in their work.
- Ensuring that any chemical in commerce is safe or can be managed to protect human health and the environment.
- Fighting to have systems in place to ensure we use the safest and healthiest products possible.
- Making sure that if industry causes unsafe levels of pollution or chemical accidents, the public knows immediately, and the responsible party pays to clean it up
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Increasing government transparency to allow for better decision making and accountability.
Because of chemicals, humans have progressed in extraordinary ways.
However, the overuse and mismanagement of chemicals are causing significant long-term threats to a livable planet. Exposure to toxic chemicals can harm children, shorten life expectancy, and negatively affect the well-being of all living things for generations. Together with climate change and biodiversity loss, the mismanagement of chemicals is a significant obstacle to a livable planet.
LEARN MORE
New Chemicals Need Closer Scrutiny
EPA does not have reasonable assurance that the new chemicals review process is properly considering and addressing risks to public health and the environment. PEER is working to change that. Learn more»
EPA Scientists Punished for Identifying Chemical Risks
The Inspector General found EPA retaliated against scientists because they protested watering down risk assessments for new chemicals being approved for commercial release. Learn more»
Strengthening the Chemical Safety Board
The Chemicals Safety Board suffers from personnel issues, industry influence, and weak regulations. PEER works to strengthen this agency’s capacity to respond to accidents. Learn more»
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A SNAPSHOT OF PEER’S PAST EFFORTS
Here are some examples of how PEER has made a difference:
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Revealed that EPA had hidden thousands of industry reports from the public and their own scientists about the substantial health risks from chemicals already on the market. Our subsequent legal action caused EPA to post these reports once again.
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Identified the presence of PFAS, a toxic class of chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” in products such as plastic containers, fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial turf. We are working to get these products off the market and to promote safer alternatives.
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Helped to stop the use of radioactive phosphor-gypsum to build highways. This dangerous scheme was a big giveaway to the fertilizer industry over the objections of EPA’s staff experts.
PEER’S PERSPECTIVE
Reforming EPA’s New Chemicals Program
READ MORE NEWS ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Webinar | Our Health and Our Changing Climate
Coffee Talk Webinar Series, Episode 4: A conversation with NIH research oncologist Dr. Christine Berg on the intersection of health and climate change. Watch the video!
STATEMENT | EPA’s Action on PFAS in Drinking Water
EPA’s chemical-by-chemical approach leaves the public unprotected from the vast majority of toxic but unregulated PFAS.
PEERMail | Reversing a Shocking Pesticides Decision
Because the overuse of pesticides is a significant cause of pollinator collapse, we are in this battle for the long term.
COMMENTARY | Public Health Scientist Vindicated
Even though Dr. Carpenter’s case has been resolved, we hope the University at Albany will address the broader academic freedom issues that this case has opened
Scientific Basis for EPA’s Definition of PFAS Still Missing
Europe and Canada Embrace Inclusive PFAS Definitions While U.S. Dithers
Broadly Supported Petition Urges EPA Reforms for Bee and Bird-Killing Pesticides
Neonicotinoid insecticides targeted for wreaking eco-havoc despite lack of economic benefits
PEERMail | Jumping the Gun in East Palestine
The explosion of a train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, reminds us of the government’s premature rush to return to an air of normalcy after such a disaster.
COMMENTARY | EPA Asks for Comment on PFAS Data It Won’t Release
EPA is asking the public to comment on fluorination of plastics but keeping important materials, including health studies, confidential.
