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Groups sue Trump’s EPA over fast-track approval of toxic datacenter chemicals

Exposure to two compounds approved can result in ‘sudden death’ and range of other serious health risks, lawsuit warns

The Trump administration has approved two new datacenter chemicals to which exposure can result in “sudden death” and a range of other serious health risks, like cancer, eye corrosion, neurological damage and reproductive harm, a new lawsuit warns.

The two compounds approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for import and immediate use in facilities across the US are photoacid generators that also appear to be Pfas “forever chemicals”, though it is unclear because much of the EPA documents are redacted. Some Pfas are commonly used in the production of semiconductors.

This article was amended on 26 August 2026. A previous version said the EPA concedes that the chemicals present an “unreasonable risk” to workers. It has been updated to say the chemicals may present an unreasonable risk.

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© Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

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Personal care products are awash in unlabeled toxic chemicals, study finds

Even products labeled ‘eco’, ‘green’ or ‘natural’ can contain dangerous compounds including Pfas

Common personal care products widely contain unlabeled toxic chemicals, results from a new peer-reviewed study suggest. The testing of more than 110 items ranging from shampoo to baby lotions found evidence of unlabeled toxic chemicals in about 85%.

Many contained multiple ingredients known to be carcinogens or health hazards, and even 26% of products labeled “eco”, “green” or “natural” contained at least one dangerous compound. The products averaged more than three times as many chemicals than were listed on labels.

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© Photograph: Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Getty Images

© Photograph: Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Getty Images

© Photograph: Stefania Pelfini la Waziya/Getty Images

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California law would force companies to disclose toxic chemicals in disposable diapers

Legislation requiring disclosure of chemicals in diapers passed assembly and will go before state senate soon

New California legislation would require manufacturers to disclose the “mystery cocktail” of toxic chemicals used in disposable diapers.

Diapers often contain among the most toxic substances – phthalates, lead, Pfas, quats, arsenic, a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and “fragrance”, which can include any number of 1,200 compounds thought to be hazardous to human health.

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© Photograph: Polina Strelkova/Getty Images

© Photograph: Polina Strelkova/Getty Images

© Photograph: Polina Strelkova/Getty Images

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