The Environmental Working Group, which assiduously monitors public health research for alleged conflicts-of-interest, is suggesting its supporters shop on Amazon for green back-to-school supplies, including PVC-free backpacks, BPA-free lunch boxes and recycled paper products. EWG then gets a cut of the proceeds through Amazon s affiliate program inspiring a rousing discussion at the ACSH Dispatch meeting on the propriety of the program.
I m not saying it s an actual conflict of interest, says Stier. I m saying they should be held to their own standards their own very aloof standards.
What they re selling is fear, says Dr. Whelan. Fear of chemicals. They obviously have a calendar guide for their fear-mongering: it s the end of August so pull out the chemical scare about pens, pencils and crayons. Soon it will be time for the scare about Halloween candy, and before you know it we will be in the midst of the EWG Christmas toxic toy scare.