Environmental Issues: Health
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All Documents in Health Tagged pesticides
- Superficial Safeguards: Most Pesticides Are Approved by Flawed EPA Process
Issue Brief - The public may think pesticides are only allowed onto store shelves and for use in agriculture and into consumer products if they have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a transparent and scientifically rigorous process. Recent investigations by NRDC, however, reveal a deeply flawed system, indicating that the public's trust is misplaced.
- The 5 Stupidest Chemicals That Shouldn’t be in Your House
Fact Sheet - As you begin the annual spring cleaning purge, make sure that you aren't leaving behind a house filled with toxic chemicals that can harm you, your family, and your pets.
- What You Should Know About 2,4-D
Widely Used Lawn Pesticide Contaminates Air and Water
Overview - Despite dozens of scientific studies that link the toxic pesticide 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) to cancer and other health risks such as cell damage, hormonal interference, and reproductive problems, 46 million pounds of 2,4-D are applied to U.S. lawns, playgrounds, golf courses, and millions of acres of agricultural land every year.
- Pesticides: What You Need to Know
Pesticides are designed to kill pests, but they don't stop there.
Overview - Pesticides are designed to kill pests, but they don't stop there. People, pets, farmers, agriculture workers, and wildlife are all harmed by overuse, misuse, and even lawful use of these toxic chemicals.
Documents Tagged pesticides in All Sections
- NRDC Pesticides Team: Protecting Against Chemicals Designed to Kill
Fact Sheet - Long before organic foods were a staple product line for major grocers, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) was an advocate for pesticide-free products and dedicated itself to eliminating the unseen dangers of chemicals in our food. While we've achieved many successes, NRDC's Pesticides team continues to push the EPA to remove the most dangerous pesticides from the market and to educate consumers, food growers, and business leaders about sustainable alternatives. Get document in pdf.
- Atrazine: Poisoning the Well
Atrazine Continues to Contaminate Surface Water and Drinking Water in the United States
Report - Watersheds and drinking water systems across the nation remain at risk for contamination from the endocrine-disrupting pesticide atrazine. The U.S. EPA's inadequate monitoring systems and weak regulations have compounded the problem, allowing levels of atrazine in watersheds and drinking water to peak at extremely high concentrations.
- Make Your Garden Bee-Safe
Honey bees are disappearing across the country, putting $15 billion worth of fruits, nuts and vegetables at risk
Guide - Bees across the country are disappearing from a mysterious condition know as Colony Collapse Disorder, but you can help keep these important pollinators healthy by attracting them to your garden with these helpful tips.
- Harmful Pet Products
FAQ - Answers to questions including: How can I tell which pet products contain dangerous chemicals? Which products should I buy? How can I tell if my child or pet has been harmed by these pet pesticides?
For additional policy documents, see the NRDC Document Bank.
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Switchboard Blogs
- Marine Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Bill Passes California Assembly Natural Resources Committee
- posted by Leila Monroe, 4/30/13
- EPA Hearing: Citizens Urge Agency to Finalize Cleaner Gasoline and Tailpipe Standards
- posted by Luke Tonachel, 4/25/13
- NRDC's 5-Step Program for the Apparel Industry's Chemical Makeover
- posted by Linda Greer, 4/23/13
Related Stories
- Simple Steps
- A healthier you. A healthier home. A healthier Earth -- one step at a time.
- Is Organic Food Worth It?
- The short answer is yes -- get the lowdown from This Green Life.
- Pet Products May Harm Both Pets and Humans
- Poisons in many pet pesticide products are not safe for pets or humans.



