Green Science Policy Institute

06/17/2026

We’ve been working to bring more attention to an overlooked side of antimicrobial resistance: antimicrobial chemicals in everyday products. Antibacterial hand soap is a clear case where there are no added benefits to balance the risks. Thanks to Michael Coren at the Washington Post for speaking with us!

Don't fall for hygiene theater: Antibacterial products aren't better than regular soap and water.

04/22/2026

🎉 U.S. Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) have introduced a bipartisan bill to direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to evaluate both the fire safety effectiveness of its federal vehicle flammability standard and the health risks from the chemicals used to meet it. The bill follows our 2024 peer-reviewed study with Duke University finding harmful flame retardants in the interior of every car tested. https://greensciencepolicy.org/news-events/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-targets-cancer-causing-flame-retardants-in-cars

12/16/2025

Watch our Executive Director Arlene Blum's inspiring TEDx Talk from . She shares how solving the challenges of mountaineering prepared her for an even more important objective: reducing toxic chemicals in products. Drawing on decades of successes in helping to stop the use of cancer-causing chemicals­—from flame retardants in children’s pajamas to PFAS in plastics, cosmetics, and food packaging­—she shows how scientific research, communicated to decision makers, can protect our health. Thank you to Plastic Pollution Coalition, Environmental Working Group, and Hip Hop Caucus for a great event.

Arlene Blum shares how solving the challenges of mountaineering prepared her for an even more important objective: banning toxic chemicals from plastic in pr...

12/09/2025

A new peer-reviewed study found that replacing older furniture can halve levels of certain harmful in people’s bodies in just over a year. It's the first study to show measurable health benefits from the 2014 furniture flammability standard update that made it possible for manufacturers to comply without adding chemical flame retardants.

The flame retardants used in U.S. furniture before 2014 are linked to cancer risk, hormone disruption, and neurodevelopmental effects. Epidemiological studies have shown that the average U.S. child lost three to five IQ points from exposure to one of the most common furniture flame retardants.

The study was led by the California Department of Public Health and included scientists from the CalEPA, University of California, Davis, Silent Spring Institute, Green Science Policy Institute, Environmental Working Group, and Sequoia Foundation.

Full Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127326
Press Release: https://greensciencepolicy.org/news-events/press-releases/study-sofa-swap-slashes-body-levels-of-harmful-flame-retardants
Fact Sheet:https://biomonitoring.ca.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/FREES_handout.pdf

07/31/2025

Pesticides banned from agricultural use in parts of Europe and California are still used in topical flea treatments for pets. Wildlife pays the price. Arlene's new column in Forbes:

Pesticides banned from agricultural use in parts of Europe and California are still used in topical flea treatments for pets. Wildlife pays the price.

06/23/2025

Choosing a sunscreen that is healthy for you and marine life can be a challenge. Here is some guidance:

Sunscreen is an effective tool to prevent skin cancer. However, some sunscreen ingredients are harmful to people and marine life. How can we best balance these concerns?

06/12/2025

Our recent joint research found that babies and children may breathe and absorb phthalates, flame retardants, and other harmful chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep. What can parents, manufacturers, and policymakers do? https://www.forbes.com/sites/arleneblum/2025/06/10/how-children-are-exposed-to-brain-harming-chemicals-while-sleeping/

Research found that babies and children may breathe and absorb phthalates, flame retardants, and other harmful chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep.

05/15/2025

https://www.forbes.com/sites/arleneblum/2025/05/15/why-are-there-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/

Car manufacturers add harmful flame retardants to seat foam and other materials to meet an outdated federal flammability standard with no proven fire-safety benefit.

04/22/2025

The Green Science Policy Institute is pleased to announce the launch of our visionary Senior Fellows Program to support leading environmental health scientists and policy experts in developing and implementing new ideas to reduce chemical harm.

The inaugural Senior Fellows are Meredith Williams, Joel Tickner, Susan Kegley, Lauren Heine, and Arlene Blum. The Program launches on Earth Day, April 22, 2025 with the objective of healthier products, people, and planet.

You can learn more on the webpage:

This visionary Green Science Policy Institute program supports leading environmental health scientists and policy experts in developing and implementing new ideas to reduce chemical harm.

03/17/2025

Polymers are large chemicals that are generally exempt from regulation. New evidence shows they can break down into smaller toxic chemicals, contradicting long-held assumptions of safety. Read Arlene's newest column in Forbes:

Polymers are large chemicals that are generally exempt from regulation. New evidence shows they can break down into smaller toxic chemicals, contradicting long-held assumptions of safety.