Two lawsuits aim to expose how U.S. regulators allow companies to hide information on dangerous chemicals, making it difficult for the public and regulators to assess health risks.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Companies often use "confidential business information" claims to avoid disclosing data about hazardous chemicals.
- The EPA's approval of chemicals, including PFAS, hides key safety information from the public, hindering oversight.
- Lawsuits argue that this practice violates transparency laws designed to protect public health.
Key quote:
"It makes it impossible to have proper chemical oversight because much of the information that the EPA is evaluating is withheld from other regulators."
— Tim Whitehouse, director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
Why this matters:
When critical chemical data remains hidden, communities and workers risk exposure to substances that may cause long-term harm. Transparent chemical oversight is essential for protecting both public health and the environment.
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