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
PEERMail | PEER Sues EPA to Uncover Toxic Health and Safety Data
One of the most important things we do is sue government agencies when they refuse to release important information necessary to protect the public’s well-being.
PFAS in Biosolids Fertilizer Sparks Damages Lawsuit
Suit Charges Fertilizer Maker Synagro with Poisoning Farms and Livestock
Texas Farms Poisoned by PFAS-Laden Biosolid Fertilizers
Johnson County Holds Hearing to Warn Citizens About Synagro’s Biosolids
EPA Conceals PFAS Health Info as Trade Secret
Lawsuit Demands Release of Data on PFAS in Fluorinated Containers
Webinar | Climate and Environmental Impacts of Agriculture
Watch this webinar to learn about the extensive impacts of animal agriculture on the environment, climate, and our health.
EPA Rejects Air-Pollution Permits for Oil, Gas Wells in Colorado
Win for Clean Air Calls Into Question Effectiveness of Pollution Controls
Op-Ed | Why is EPA Considering Lethal Pesticides for Florida Citrus?
Originally published in and reprinted with permission of The Orlando Sentinel. Why is EPA Considering Lethal Pesticides for Florida Citrus? Few pesticides have raised more red flags across the world in recent years than an insecticide called aldicarb. This neurotoxic...
COMMENTARY | Addressing Radon Risks in Public Housing: PEER is Making Progress
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking and public housing is often ground zero for exposure.