In this short series, David Andrews from the Environmental Working Group walks us through the challenges the EPA has in evaluating chemicals and new ways they are trying to make regulation more effective. Then, Avery Lindeman uses flame retardants as a case study to explore why certain political lobbies are contributing to upholding ineffective and potentially dangerous policies.
Contributors
David Andrews
Senior Scientist, Environmental Working Group
PhD
Full Bio
David is using his background in chemistry and nanotechnology research to investigate environmental health issues. His work focuses on finding ways to protect public health by educating consumers and changing national environmental regulations and government policies. During his time at EWG he has developed a comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory processes affecting industrial chemicals, consumer products, cosmetics, and nanomaterials. David has conducted more than 100 media interviews on various public health issues and frequently works with federal agencies and legislative offices. His recent work has included collaborating to design and build EWG’s consumer databases, highlighting the overuse of confidentiality claims submitted to the EPA, and researching national water contamination. He holds a B.A. in chemistry from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Northwestern. He has authored more than 15 scientific publications and holds a patent on quantum interference devices.
Avery Lindeman
Deputy Director, Green Science Policy Institute
Full Bio
Avery graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Chemistry in 2011, and completed a Master’s in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley in 2013. Avery currently leads policy work on flammability standards for furniture and insulation at the Institute. Before joining the GSP team, Avery conducted research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.