We’ve stated before how the Environmental Working Group (EWG) consistently promotes misinformation about the safety of PVC products. But when their friends at The Washington Post blindly promote EWG’s agenda, and fail to address whether the scientific rigor of EWG’s studies have any credibility, they perpetuate distorted claims and deceptive statements about the material and mislead the public.
PVC-backed rugs “can off-gas and contain other harmful chemicals such as phthalates,” The Washington Post writes, a claim it attributes (along with a recommendation to use natural rubber-backed carpet) to EWG “senior scientist” Tasha Stoiber.
Fact: EWG’s argument is not backed by any mainstream consensus among researchers and scientists. Which is likely why EWG fails to provide a source to back up their claim. Had the Washington Post asked us to comment, we would have pointed out that several peer-reviewed studies show PVC poses no known human health concerns. Which is why manufacturers at the forefront of the sustainability movement prefer PVC.
We also would have pointed out that a recent study from the State of California found that rubber flooring -- which can contain similar components to the rubber rug backing that EWG recommends -- “emit[s] a myriad” of volatile organic compounds. EWG hasn’t shown any analysis of the VOCs emitted by rubber backed rugs. Which is to say nothing of the noxious smell of new rubber.
That information would have been useful for readers.
We hope the Washington Post and EWG will do better in the future. So long as they fail to do so, we will hold them accountable to ensure the public has the facts.