Over 5,000 Children’s Products Contain Toxic Chemicals of Concern to Kids’ Health, Companies Report to Washington State

Cancer Causing Chemicals in our Couches?!

Are you sitting down on a couch?  This news may make you want to stand up, instead.

A new peer-reviewed study published today in Environmental Science and Technology shows a carcinogen has been used to replace banned toxic flame retardants in many couches sampled in New York and across the United States.  The chemical, a chlorinated Tris known as TDCPP, was removed from children's pajamas in 1977 and has been found in many infant -care products.  The toxic flame retardant was the subject of a proposed legislative ban in children's products in New York in 2012, but failed to pass the Senate in the final hours of session.  All four couch samples submitted by New Yorkers contained flame retardants: three contained TDCPP, and one contained pentaBDE.

Assembly hearing on flame retardant chemicals in children’s products brings out many supporters for a ban, only one opponent

Guest blog by Kathy Curtis, CHNY Executive Director

Following last week’s implosion of the chemical industry front group “Citizens for Fire Safety,” the American Chemistry Council (ACC) made its public debut representing the only opposition to banning a cancer-causing chemical in children’s products. ACC’s Stephen Rosario and North American Flame Retardant Alliance’s Jackson Morrill were the first speakers at yesterday’s Assembly hearing on flame retardant chemicals in children’s products. Not only were they the only speakers present to fail to submit written testimony, they appeared to be profoundly unprepared.

They opened their statement by disavowing Citizens for Fire Safety (CFFS), even though the CEO of Albemarle (one of the three CFFS co-founding chemical makers) is on ACC’s board of directors. They also said they would not talk about the recent Chicago Tribune series that exposed CFFS as an industry front group that distorted science, gave misleading testimony, and exaggerated the effectiveness of their products.

As Industry Front Group Falls, Advocates Call for State and U.S. Senate to Protect Kids from Toxic Chemicals

At an Assembly Hearing on Thursday, doctors, fire fighters, burn victim advocates, scientists, business representatives and others spoke out in favor of removing toxic chemicals added to children’s products as flame retardants.  Convened by the Assembly Environmental Conservation and Health Committees, the Hearing focused on the science surrounding the safety and effectiveness of flame retardant chemicals and examined the effectiveness of New York's approach to chemical bans in children's products. 

Giant Rubber Ducky Lands In Albany

Parents, Advocates Tell the NYS Senate: Don't Duck Reform – Protect Kids from Toxics

In the wake of the May 22nd National Stroller Brigade for Safe Chemicals, parents, toddlers, and advocates gathered in front of a 25' Rubber Ducky and urged the New York State Senate to protect children from toxic chemicals. They called on the Senate to introduce and pass legislation that would identify chemicals of high concern, select priority chemicals from the high concern list, require children's product makers to report their use, and ultimately phase them out.

Concerns have been raised within the scientific community about the role of synthetic chemicals in the rise of many common diseases and illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, learning disabilities, inability to have children (including both female infertility and damage to sperm), hormone disruption, obesity and diabetes, to name a few. A number of these chemicals are used in products children touch every day.  Yet product makers don't disclose the chemicals in their products, and the scientific information is complex.

“As the mom of an adult with autism and developmental disabilities, I can’t help but wonder what she was exposed to in her crib and what toxic toys we might have bought her,” said Julia Walter, who is trained as a special education teacher. “People think of children with autism – they forget this is a lifelong condition.”

“At this point, I feel like I would have to be a toxicologist with a full chemistry lab in my basement just to understand what's in my children's toys, furniture and car seats,” said Sarah Howard, mother of two. “Parents have enough on their plates – they shouldn't have to worry about whether their baby's nursing pillow is leaching dangerous chemicals.”

The last few weeks have seen startling revelations about the tactics some chemical companies have used to keep toxic chemicals in common children's products and other household furnishings. The Chicago Tribune revealed in a four-day, front-page series that makers of “flame retardants” - including those used in nursing pillows, car seats, strollers, changing pads, couches and more – have used “Big Tobacco” tactics to keep their chemicals in use.  The series documents the failure of these chemicals in household products to prevent fires, and illuminated the health problems posed by many of them. The three chemical makers – Albemarle, Chemtura, and ICL – have used a front-group called Citizens for Fire Safety Institute to distort both fire science and toxicological studies.

Read more...

Unanimous Senate Committee Vote Has National Implications

Grisanti Bill Would Ban Cancer-Causing Chemical in Children’s Products 

New York Poised to Become a National Leader

Earlier today, the New York State Senate Environmental Conservation Committee voted unanimously to report a bill, S. 6080 sponsored by Senator Mark Grisanti (R-Buffalo), that would ban a hazardous chemical in children’s products.  The Assembly unanimously passed the matching legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), earlier this spring.  If enacted, New York State would become the first in the nation to restrict the use of this chemical.

TDCPP, or “Tris,” was voluntarily pulled from children’s pajamas in the 1970s after it was shown to mutate DNA.  The State of California declared it a probable carcinogen in 2011.  The World Health Organization, National Cancer Institute, National Research Council and Consumer Product Safety Commission call it a health hazard.  TDCPP was found in 36% of children’s products, as reported in a May 2011 peer-reviewed study.  80% of foam from children’s products purchased in fall 2011 contained TDCPP.

“New York State has the opportunity to be a leader in protecting children’s health, by passing S. 6080, just as it was a leader in real fire prevention by requiring the use of fire-safe cigarettes. We now face the worst of both worlds: Tris and other toxic chemicals don’t prevent fires, and they do threaten our children’s health and poison our environment,” said Kathy Curtis, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York “The Senate should act quickly to pass S. 6080, and send this to the Governor for his signature.”

Read more...

Assembly Votes to Protect Children from Toxics

The New York State Assembly overwhelmingly passed the Child-Safe Products Act 104-39 in the early Wednesday evening, after minimal debate.  The bipartisan show of support for children’s health was lauded by parents, teachers, nurses, health advocates, and others.

The measure, A. 3141a, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, was backed by the JustGreen Partnership, a broad, diverse collaboration of over 50 organizations representing more than a million New Yorkers.  It contains the following provisions: 

1. Establishment of a list of “chemicals of high concern” that appear on authoritative government lists as causing cancer, reproductive problems, learning and developmental disabilities, and other common chronic health problems. 
2. Identification of “priority chemicals,” starting with a dozen chemicals that include heavy metals and carcinogens. 
3. A requirement that manufacturers disclose their use of priority chemicals in products made for children ages 12 and under. 
4. Starting in 2016, a prohibition on sales in New York of children’s products containing priority chemicals.  The bill also enables the State to leverage resources by working with a multi-state collaborative called the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse.

“Children are more sensitive to and are at an increased risk from chemical exposure. Currently, New York prohibits the use of dangerous chemicals on a chemical-by-chemical basis.  The Presidents’ Cancer Panel reported that nearly 80,000 chemicals are used in the country today, many of which are unstudied and largely unregulated. We must act to protect children's health from unnecessary toxic chemicals found in everyday products.  It’s time to put health concerns first and we can start this process by protecting our children.  This bill sets up a regulatory framework in which dangerous chemicals in children's products can be banned. I urge the Senate to follow the Assembly's lead on this issue," said Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation.

"Protecting our children from exposure to toxic chemicals makes good public health sense.  According to the World Health Organization, 25% of all chronic illnesses can be linked to environmental exposures.  Eliminating the exposures during the child's formative years means a healthier future population," said Thomas Lowe, MPH, RN, COHN-S, Health and Safety Representative for the New York State Nurses Association.  “ Our legislators should be proud of the legacy they are leaving for that future population.”

"We applaud the Assembly for passing this important bill as part of their green agenda," said Saima Anjam of Environmental Advocates of New York. "Targeting chemicals in children’s products is a key step to reducing harmful effects of unnecessary exposure in children and the environment."

"New York can take a quantum leap forward in protecting children from toxic chemical exposures by passing the Child-Safe Products Act," said NYPIRG Legislative Counsel Russ Haven.  "The Assembly has done its part by passing Assemblyman Sweeney's comprehensive bill.  It's now time for the Senate to stand up for children's health by passing legislation that will begin the process of identifying toxic chemical usage and getting toxics out of kids' consumer products." 

Groups pointed to outdated and ineffective federal laws aimed at managing chemicals in the marketplace, especially the Toxic Substance Control Act, as well as enactment of policies similar to A3141a in other states, as why New York should take action.  The U.S. Senate is advancing the Safe Chemicals act to reform TSCA, co-sponsored by both New York Senators, but there is no foreseeable action in the House.

“62,000 chemicals were assumed safe in 1976, and were allowed to be used widely in commerce without any meaningful information on environmental and health impacts.  Now there roughly 80,000 chemicals used in commerce,” said Kathy Curtis, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York. “While work continues to fix our broken federal laws, New York’s children continue to bear the brunt of unchecked use of chemicals that can affect their health and development.  Our State must take action now.”

Organizations in the JustGreen Partnership are now turning their attention to the New York State Senate.

It's Time for Child-Safe Products, Says Diverse Coalition

Groups Praise Bi-Partisan Advancement of Bill Through Assembly Codes Committee

(Albany) Parents, businesses, health care professionals, health advocates, environmental groups and others praised the bi-partisan vote (17-5) for advancement of A. 3141a, known as the Child Safe Products Act, through the Assembly Codes Committee today.     The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, creates a framework for identifying and addressing toxic chemicals used in children's products.  Recent studies have shown ongoing widespread use in children's products of chemicals that can cause cancer, increase the likelihood of learning disabilities, disrupt hormones, and mutate DNA.

Organizations in the JustGreen Partnership, a diverse health-based coalition, agree that the Child Safe Products Act will help make New York a healthier place.

"The incidence of learning disabilities and related neurological impairments such as autism is on the rise, and with this comes enormous personal challenges, family challenges, and increasing costs to health, educational and and social support systems," said Stephen Boese, Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State. "Chemicals now found in children's products can cause  learning and other developmental disabilities.  We applaud the Assembly for advancing a framework policy to address toxic chemicals and thereby taking a necessary and important step towards prevention of future incidence of learning and developmental disabilities." 

NYS Assembly Votes Unanimously to Ban Chlorinated Tris

In a bipartisan victory for children's health, the New York State Assembly passed A. 9045, which expands the Tris-free Children and Babies Act to include the form of tris (TDCPP) that was removed from children's sleepwear in 1979 because it can mutate DNA.  Studies have since shown that TDCPP can harm the developing brain,  disrupt hormones, and cause cancer.   The State of California’s Carcinogen Identification Council has determined it is a carcinogen.  The diverse collaboration of health-affected organizations, environmental justice groups, teachers, nurses, business leaders and environmental health organizations, known as the JustGreen Partnership, praised the bill's passage, and urged the New York Senate to follow suit.

In NYS Assembly Committees, Unanimous Support for Toxic Tris Bans

It’s clear that for New York legislators, children’s health has bipartisan support.  On Thursday, the Assembly Codes committee unanimously advanced a ban on the toxic chemical Tris to the Assembly Floor.  Tris, the common name for TDCPP, is a cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting chemical currently added to many foam products, including those for infants and very young children.  The proposed law would ban Tris in products made for children ages three and under.

This action comes as Washington State is considering similar legislation in a session that ends March 8th.

Toy Industry Association Protest Makes Impact

On Monday, February 13th, JustGreen Partners gathered outside the Javits Center to protest the Toy Industry Association's repeated lobbying against laws that would protect children's health.  The group included representatives from NYPIRG, Center for Environmental Health, Center for Health, Environment and Justice, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and Clean and Healthy New York.  

JustGreen Partners distributed nearly a thousand flyers to 2012 Toy Fair, an annual which connects toy makers with wholesale and retail buyers. 

The action drew attention from Toy Industry Association representatives, including Communications and Government Relations staff, who can be seen in the background of the photo above.  They argued that all are welcome to participate in the voluntary, consensus-based ASTM standards.  One of the TIA reps who talked with CEH's Ansje Miller works full time on participating in this standard setting.  

TIA lobbies in statehouses across the nation against laws that would protect children's health.  In New York. TIA has lobbied on numerous environmental health provisions, many with no impact on toymakers. 

Bobbi Chase Wilding was interviewed by WBAI for their Evening News. You can listen to the story here:

WBAI Evening News - 2-13-2012

Assembly Committee Unanimously Advances Toxic Tris Ban

Bipartisan Action Shows That Children’s Health Crosses Political Bounds 

Albany, NY –In Tuesday’s NYS Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, children’s health advocates awaited a debate on legislation that would expand last year’s law banning a chemical known as TCEP from children’s products.  The new legislation would include an additional toxic chemical, TDCPP, in the ban.  Both chemicals are commonly called “chlorinated tris” chemicals.  What they saw surprised and encouraged them: unanimous, bipartisan advancement of the legislation through the committee.

“The New York State Legislature led the way in 2011 by passing a bill I sponsored, the Tris-Free Children and Babies Act, the first of its kind in the nation. Although this was an important first step in protecting children from TCEP, one form of toxic Tris, it's clear that there is more work to be done to protect children from carcinogenic TDCPP, which is widely used and  harmful,” saidAssemblyman Robert Sweeney, Environmental Conservation Committee Chair. "Why would we allow a chemical banned from children's sleepwear because of its toxicity to be used in other nursery items?  This legislation is one of my priorities for 2012," Sweeney added.

State Legislatures Tackle Toxic Chemicals to Protect Citizens

Lack of Federal Reform Makes State Laws More Urgent

  In 2012, at least 28 state legislatures will consider legislation to address concerns over toxic chemicals in consumer products, according to a new analysis by Safer States, a national coalition of state-based environmental organizations. Bills to be introduced this year will cover a broad list of topics, including bans on toxic chlorinated Tris flame retardants and cadmium, and requirements that makers of consumer products publicly disclose chemicals in products.   Read more...

Hidden Hazards in the Nursery

Popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats, contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects, according to a new report authored by the Washington Toxics Coalition and released today by Clean and Healthy New York. Children and families are exposed to these Tris chemicals when they escape from products and contaminate house dust and indoor air.

“Appallingly, this is just one study in a long line documenting toxic chemicals in the products families rely upon.  No parent would deliberately expose their baby in this way.  Product makers need to stop simply moving darting from one toxic chemical as it is banned to another,” said Bobbi Chase Wilding, contributor to the study and Deputy Director for Clean and Healthy New York. “Further state action is needed to end this toxic shell game. ”

Assembly Schedules Hearing on Toxics in Kids Products

The New York State Assembly committees on Environmental Conservation, Health, and Consumer Affairs and Protection are holding a public hearing on the Child-Safe Products Act, and the broader subject of toxic chemicals in children's products. The public is invited to attend and speak - and our Assemblymembers need to hear from parents and others concerned about children's health.

Join JustGreen Partners as we call for the Child-Safe Products Act to be made into law!

Where: 250 Broadway, New York, NY - Assembly Hearing Room

When: 10 am, Monday, December 5, 2011

To testify: Fill out this form, and call Steve Liss at 518-455-5787.

Full details about the hearing can be found here.

NYS Senate and Assembly Pass Law to Protect Babies from Cancer-Causing Chemical

Advocates Laud Passage as First in the Nation, Call on Governor to Sign the "Tris-free Children and Babies Act" 

Chemical Facing Ban Was Recently Found in 17% of Foam Baby Products Tested

(Albany) Organizations in the JustGreen Partnership hailed passage of S. 4085a/A. 6919a in the Senate today, following the Assembly's earlier passage of the bill.  The "Tris-Free Children and Babies Act" would prohibit the sale of products containing a cancer-causing chemical called "TCEP" if they are meant for young children and babies.  TCEP is no longer produced in Europe and has been identified by Canada as posing a risk to human health.  In a recent scientific study,  TCEP was found in 17% of foam baby products tested. (Including the padded seat cushion shown here.) These products include those on which babies spend the vast majority of their time, including nursing pillows, car seats, crib positioners, baby carriers, high chairs, and booster seats.   

"It takes forward-thinking leaders like Assemblyman Sweeney and Senator Grisanti to pass the first state-level tris ban in the nation," said Kathy Curtis, Policy Director for Clean New York and co-coordinator of the JustGreen Partnership. "Until comprehensive, sensible chemical policy is a reality, we're glad we can depend on them to protect the health of New York's babies and children," Curtis added.

Toxic Chemicals Found in Baby Products

A study of products designed for newborns, babies, and toddlers – including car seats, breast feeding pillows, changing pads, crib wedges, bassinet mattresses and other items made with polyurethane foam – found that 80% of products tested contained chemical flame retardants that are considered toxic, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology Journal.  Other retardants discovered had so little health and safety data on them it is not possible to know their effects at this time. The same flame retardants found in some of the products are also found in children’s bodies and widely dispersed throughout the environment and in food.

"Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" Introduced!

Signaling their clear intention to protect families from toxic chemicals linked to serious health problems, Senators Frank Lautenberg, Barbara Boxer, Amy Klobuchar, Charles Schumer and others today introduced the “Safe Chemicals Act” to upgrade America’s outdated system for managing chemical safety.  (Click "Read More" to watch video of Sen. Lautenberg talking about the bill.)  The JustGreen Partnership, a collaboration of over 50 organizations representing a million New Yorkers, hailed the bill’s introduction and praised Senator Schumer for being an originating co-sponsor.  

JustGreen Partners Advocate for Child-Safe Products

On Tuesday, April 12, the JustGreen Partnership met with policymakers in Albany, urging them to advance legislation to protect us from toxic chemicals in our daily lives.  NYPIRG, WE ACT, Clean New York, the Learning Disabilities Association of NYS, Sierra Club, Environmental Advocates of NY, and Environmental Justice Action Group of Western NY met with Assemblymembers and Senators throughout the day.

30 States Consider Bills to Protect People from Toxics

In response to growing public concern over dangerous chemicals in common household products and continued Congressional inaction, on Wednesday, January 19th legislators and advocates in 30 states across the country announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at protecting children and families from harmful toxic chemicals. Despite well-funded opposition from the chemical industry, 18 state legislatures have already passed 71 chemical safety laws in the last eight years by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin – with more to come in 2011. 

On the Money: BPA Found on Receipts, Dollar Bills

A new study was released today giving new meaning to the phrase “toxic assets.”  On The Money: BPA on Dollar Bills and Receipts set out to investigate how widely stores use thermal receipt paper containing bisphenol A (BPA), and whether this hormone-disrupting chemical is escaping onto the money next to these receipts in people’s wallets.   

Researchers found that half of the thermal paper receipts tested had large quantities of freely available BPA; 95% of the dollar bills tested positive for lower amounts.  Unlike BPA in water bottles and other products, BPA on thermal paper isn’t chemically bound in any way: it’s a powdery film on the surface of receipts.  Data from this report indicate that this highly toxic chemical easily transfers to our skin and likely to other items that it rubs against.

States Lead on Toxic Chemical Reform While Congress Lags

A first-ever analysis of votes on state laws aimed at protecting the public from toxic chemicals found that 18 states have passed 71 chemical safety laws in the last eight years by an overwhelming margin with broad bipartisan support.   According to the report released today, of more than 9,000 votes cast by state legislators, 73% of Republicans and 99% of Democrats favored stronger protection of children’s health and the environment from dangerous chemicals, with equal support from governors of each party.  The report found that the pace of state policymaking on chemicals has more than tripled in eight years.

Advocates, Lawmakers Laud Governor for Signing Bill to Protect Children from Toxic Bisphenol A

It's Time to Call on Congress!

Beware: you may be shocked to learn that toxic chemicals aren't sitting around passively - they are wreaking havoc with our health and designing a PR campaign for survival! View the funny video Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families created to galvanize public support for Congressional action and have fun with a pretty serious issue. The characters you will meet in the video are cartoons, but the plot is ripped straight from the headlines. Enjoy and please share it with your friends, co-workers and family!

The statistics are startling.  Of the 80,000+ chemicals used in commerce, about 62,000 were "grandfathered in" - assumed to be safe for ongoing use - when the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1976.  Of those chemicals, only 200 have ever been fully tested for their impacts on our health and the environment.  Only five chemicals have ever been banned - and none since 1990.

We now have a once in a generation opportunity to change that law.  The Toxic Chemical Safety Act of 2010 was introduced in Congress. It aims to protect our families from harmful chemicals by overhauling our outdated chemical laws.

The House of Representatives is poised to act on toxic chemical legislation so your representative needs to hear from you!

We are organizing a call-in week July 19-23, to make sure our Representatives know that we want passage of a strong Toxic Chemical Safety Act.  Please take a few minutes to make a call and encourage your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members to do so as well.

This is our time to make toxic chemicals history! Let's tell Congress to vote for strong chemical policy reform.  Please call your Representative during our call-in week - just follow this link for details.

BPA Bill Passes Assembly & Senate Unanimously

Child Safe Products Act Gets Bipartisan Support in Senate

After a round of last minute debate, the NYS Child Safe Products Act (S. 7070/A. 10089) passed through the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee yesterday.The bill has nine co-sponsors in the Senate and 51 co-sponsors in the Assembly. It would reduce the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products where safer alternatives are available, and provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the issue of toxic chemicals in children's products. 27 environmental health and justice groups have submitted memos supporting the legislation.

It's No Silver Lining - BPA in Can Linings Leaches into Common Foods

Eating common canned foods is exposing consumers to levels of bisphenol A (BPA) equal to levels shown to cause health problems in laboratory animals, according to a new study released today by The National Work Group for Safe Markets, a coalition of public health and environmental health groups. The study, No Silver Lining, tested food from 50 cans from 19 US states and one Canadian province for BPA contamination. Over 90% of the cans tested had detectable levels of BPA, some at higher levels than have been detected in previous studies.

The canned foods tested were brand name fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, tomato products, sodas, and milks, which together represent “real-life” meal options for a wide range of North American consumers. The cans were purchased from retail stores and were chosen from report participants’ pantry shelves, and sent to an independent laboratory for testing. One can of DelMonte green beans had the highest levels of BPA ever found in canned food, at 1,140 parts per billion.

MOMS, LEGISLATORS, ADVOCATES CALL FOR NEW LAW TO PROTECT KIDS FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS

 Business leaders, legislative leaders, moms with young children and advocates gathered today to call upon the state legislature to pass a new law that would require safer substitutes for toxic chemicals in children’s products.  They presented a wide array of products now on the market that contain chemicals linked to serious diseases and disorders, including learning disabilities, infertility, and cancer.

The proposed law would direct the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health to develop a list of chemicals of high concern, prioritize within that list based on their use in children’s products, determine if manufacturers use those priority chemicals in products they make, and evaluate whether safer solutions are available.  When safer solutions are possible, the DEC could require their use.

Landmark Federal Legislation Introduced to Protect Families from Toxic Chemicals

 The JustGreen Partnership applauded today’s introduction of landmark federal legislation to protect families from harmful chemicals. The “Safe Chemicals Act,” introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Bobby Rush (D-IL), will overhaul the way the federal government protects the public from toxic chemicals.

“Federal action on toxic chemicals is long overdue. U.S. chemical policies should be protective of the population and place the onus for safety on the corporations making the product. This proposed reform is important progress towards the protection we deserve from toxic chemicals in consumer products.”  said Thomas Lowe, RN, MPH, COHN-S, Health and Safety Representative for the New York State Nurses Association. Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Apr 15, 2010

Reforming laws on toxic chemicals could save billions

 The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act, a recent report by the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Campaign, shows that the U.S. has the opportunity to prevent rising rates of chronic disease and reduce health care costs by overhauling federal chemical policy. Evidence is strong and growing that chemical exposures contribute significantly to the rise in many chronic diseases, according to this new report synthesizing peer-reviewed science. 

As the U.S. debates the costs of health care and its reform and New York State continues to be in a fiscal crisis, “The Health Case” documents the enormous health care costs of treating cancer, learning and developmental disabilities, asthma and other diseases and conditions linked to chemical exposure, according to recent studies. By updating toxic chemical laws, the report found that Congress would reduce exposure to chemicals contributing to chronic diseases. 

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Jan 21, 2010

Hazardous Chemicals in Health Care Professionals

Physicians for Social Responsibility, along with JustGreen Partner Clean New York, SAFER States partners in nine other states, Health Care Without Harm, American Nurses Association and the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign, released a new biomonitoring report, Hazardous Chemicals in Health Care: A Snapshot of Chemicals in Doctors and Nurses.  

20 doctors and nurses from ten states donated blood and urine samples which were tested for six categories of chemicals (62 individual chemicals in all) and the results were disturbing - though sadly, not surprising.  Each of the 20 participants had at least five of the chemical categories, and at least 24 individual chemicals.  All participants had the same four categories and the same 18 individual chemicals in their bodies.

Read more...

Posted by Bobbi Chase-Wilding on Oct 8, 2009

Albany and Schenectady Counties Pack 1-2 Punch for BPA

This week the Albany and Schenectady County Legislatures each voted to ban the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups made with the toxic chemical bisphenol A.

Both bills passed unanimously and had tremendous support from legislators. In Albany County the ban was co-sponsored by 28 out of 39 legislators. In Schenectady County 12 of the 15 legislators co-sponsored the ban.

Albany County Executive Michael Breslin is expected to sign the bill soon, and it will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

In Schenectady County, the law will go into effect 90 days after Sue Savage, Chair of the County Legislature, files it with the Secretary of State, which is standard for all County bills.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Aug 12, 2009

Declare Your Independence from Toxic Chemicals!

From www.saferstates.com:

This summer, declare your independence from toxic chemicals and then become part of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign!

The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign is a national effort to create the strongest, most comprehensive solution to fix the law that is failing to protect our families from toxic chemicals that harm our health and the environment.

If you believe you have the right to be healthy, the right to work in a safe environment, and the right to know what chemicals are in your body, this is the national campaign you’ve been waiting for!

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Aug 10, 2009

Massachusetts Issues Public Health Warning on BPA

Earlier this week, Massachusetts public health officials issued a public health warning to inform consumers about the risks of Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure, after an exhaustive year-long literature review. They are also still considering a ban on some BPA-based products.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) warning has caught attention nationwide, and provides additional support as we continue our efforts in New York and nationally to protect families and phase out BPA.

Supporters view the warning as an important first step for MA, but caution that products in stores should still be BPA-free.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Aug 6, 2009

Maine Identifies Toxic Chemicals

From www.saferstates.org:

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention last week released a list of chemicals of "high concern" for their effects on human health, including phthalates andbisphenol A.

Release of the list, which was mandated by the state's 2008 Kids Safe Products Act, is an essential step in protecting residents from toxic chemicals in consumer products. Environmental Health Strategy Center Executive Director Michael Belliveau said the historic step should send a message to manufacturers and the market that these chemicals must not be used.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Aug 4, 2009

Endocrine Disruptors Threaten our Reproductive Health

From www.saferstates.com:

The alarming health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals including phthalates and bisphenol A was clearly distilled Sunday in a column, It's Time to Learn From Frogs, by the New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof.

Kristof, who often writes about global conflict, was drawn to the subject after viewing a documentary about polluted waters and the resulting reproductive deformations in frogs, fish and other wildlife living in the ecosystem.

Kristof brilliantly connects these environmental happenings with a similar cause-and-effect playing out in humans.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Aug 3, 2009

Onward! BPA, DecaBDE and E-waste bills pass NY Assembly

Tuesday, May 5th was Earth Day Lobby Day, and the New York State Assembly passed all 12 environmental bills in their Earth Day package.

New York's BPA bill (Assembly Bill 6919b) passed 133 - 12, the E-waste bill (A. 7571) passed 121 - 22, and the exciting story of the day was the decaBDE victory. The bill (A. 7573) passed 141 - 2, after weeks of intense negative lobbying by the bromine industry.

They generated a number of opposition memos. Assemblyman Joseph Saladino challenged the sponsor during debate by raising all of the industry arguments.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on May 7, 2009

Earth Day Accomplishment: Bills move through committee

After yesterday’s Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee hearing, New Yorkers are one step closer to protection from several toxic chemicals in consumer products. Led by Committee Chairman Robert Sweeney, bills on three JustGreen priority issues were reported out of the Assembly Committee.

New York State legislation requiring the phase out of Bisphenol A (Assembly Bill A6919b) from young children’s products and food containers builds on Suffolk County’s first in the nation ban on BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, moving to protect our most vulnerable residents from the impacts of toxic chemicals. Bisphenol A has been linked to many different health affects at very low levels of exposure.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Apr 23, 2009

It's Official: Suffolk County Exec Signs First-in-Nation BPA Bill

In the picture: Front row (L-R) U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, County Executive Steve Levy and Legislator Steve Stern. Back two rows (l-r): Helene Aronson, Suffolk County Child Care Council; Pat LaCata West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition; MaryJoan Shea, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition; Laura Weinberg, Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, William Zhou, Paul D. Schreiber H.S. & Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition; Karen Joy Miller, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition; Stephen Boese, NYS Learning Disabilities Association; Donna Jurasits, Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition; Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, Suffolk Health Commissioner; and Carrie Meek Gallagher, Suffolk Commissioner of Environment and Energy.

Read more...

Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Apr 3, 2009

Advocates call on County Exec. Levy to Protect Babies from BPA

Suffolk County residents gathered today with children’s health advocates from across the state at a hearing for the Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act, to call on County Executive Steve Levy to sign the important initiative to safeguard children’s health.  Earlier this month, the Suffolk County Legislature took the groundbreaking step of unanimously passing the bill, 18-0, sponsored by Legislator Steve Stern (D-Huntington, 16th L.D.) (Intro. 1017), becoming the first jurisdiction in the nation to restrict the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in children’s products.  

“We applaud County Executive Levy for his strong leadership in cancer prevention and protecting public health.  We look forward to him signing this bill,” Legislator Stern said.

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Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Mar 16, 2009

Cancer Causing Chemicals Contaminate Baby Bubble Baths

Despite label claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to a new report and product tests released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the JustGreen Partnership. The chemicals are not disclosed on product labels because contaminants are exempt from labeling laws.

The Campaign study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children, such as shampoos and soaps. Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known to cause cancer in animals, and are listed as probable human carcinogens by the US EPA. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children.

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Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Mar 12, 2009

Suffolk County Unanimously Passes First BPA Baby Bottle Bill

Suffolk County, NY, has become the first jurisdiction in the nation to ban bisphenol A in baby bottles and sippy cups. The county’s legislature passed the ban with a unanimous vote on Tuesday, according to a story in Newsday.

The bill’s sponsor, Steve Stern, said the intention is to protect young children from the health effects of BPA. "There are plenty of viable, cost-effective and safe alternatives," he said. The ban applies to products marketed to children younger than the age of 3.

This effort was spearheaded by JustGreen Partners Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Prevention is the Cure, and Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition.

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Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Mar 4, 2009

Suffolk County Poised to Pull Toxic Baby Bottles

Suffolk County, New York is poised to be the first governmental body in the nation to forbid the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups made from the toxic chemical bisphenol A.  Industry is pushing back hard, and your help is needed to ensure that the full County Legislature passes the “Toxin Free Toddlers and Babies Act” this Tuesday, March 3rd.  You can take action by participating in Clean New York's online campaign - just click here.

The bill, Intro 1017, was introduced by Legislator Steve Stern (Huntington) in January.  It was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee at the February meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, which advanced it back to the full Legislature for a final vote. 

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Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Feb 28, 2009

JustGreen Calls for State Action on Toxics in Kids Products

As of this Tuesday, February 10th, the federal government requires companies to limit lead and phthalates in products intended for children under the age of 12. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has delayed testing requirements, but companies are still required to remove children's products that exceed the standards of 600 parts per million of lead.

Today, JustGreen Partners gathered at the State Legislative Office Building to report on what they found on store shelves, and to renew their call for broader action to protect children from toxic dangers. The good news is that lead is not appearing in many of the kinds of products Clean New York previously found lead in during toy testing over past several years.

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Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Feb 13, 2009

Budget Crisis in New York

Everyone is feeling the pinch of our worsening economic situation, and especially here in New York where so much of the state's revenue comes from Wall Street.  In light of that, Governor Paterson has proposed drastic cuts to many programs, including environmental programs.  In many cases, it can be said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  

In few cases is it so true - and in fact such an understatement - than when it comes to preventing toxic chemicals from getting into our environment and our bodies.  

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Posted by JustGreen Partnership on Jan 21, 2009