http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/california-senate-passes-bill-to-protect-kids-from-toxic-toys-bill-now-moves-to-the-governors-desk Sacramento: The California State Senate passed AB 1108 (Ma), a http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/california-senate-passes-bill-to-protect-kids-from-toxic-toys-bill-now-moves-to-the-governors-desk Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/new-jerseyans-needlessly-exposed-to-airborne-toxic-pollution New Jersey industries pump http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/new-jerseyans-needlessly-exposed-to-airborne-toxic-pollution Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/assembly-passes-bill-to-protect-kids-from-toxic-toys Sacramento, CA - Late in the evening the California http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/assembly-passes-bill-to-protect-kids-from-toxic-toys Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/governor-to-sign-chemical-safety-legislation-bill-will-provide-communities-with-necessary-information-and-improve-safety-at-chemical-plants RALEIGH—Governor http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/governor-to-sign-chemical-safety-legislation-bill-will-provide-communities-with-necessary-information-and-improve-safety-at-chemical-plants Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/assembly-health-committee-passes-legislation-to-ban-phthalates-from-baby-products The Assembly Health Committee passed AB 1108 The Toxic Toys http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/assembly-health-committee-passes-legislation-to-ban-phthalates-from-baby-products Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/california-governor-takes-steps-to-reduce-pollution Gov. Schwarzenegger’s staff released documents outlining http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/california-governor-takes-steps-to-reduce-pollution Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/activists-pressure-target-to-phase-out-toxic-products-and-packaging TOWSON—While http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/activists-pressure-target-to-phase-out-toxic-products-and-packaging Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/saving-puget-sound--washington-becomes-first-state-to-ban-class-of-toxic-chemicals In an important victory for both human health and the effort toclean up http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/saving-puget-sound--washington-becomes-first-state-to-ban-class-of-toxic-chemicals Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/campaign-launched-against-new-nuclear-reactor-in-maryland BALTIMORE http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/campaign-launched-against-new-nuclear-reactor-in-maryland Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/new-report-finds-north-carolina-is-2nd-largest-releaser-of-respiratory-toxicants-in-the-nation  Exposure http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/new-report-finds-north-carolina-is-2nd-largest-releaser-of-respiratory-toxicants-in-the-nation Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/florida-ranks-fifth-highest-in-nation-for-cancer-causing-chemical-releases TALLAHASSEE  – Exposure to http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/florida-ranks-fifth-highest-in-nation-for-cancer-causing-chemical-releases Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/experts-cite-dangers-of-toxic-flame-retardant-decabde2 Three new reports affirm goals of House Bill 1421, which http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/experts-cite-dangers-of-toxic-flame-retardant-decabde2 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/twelve-states-sue-epa-for-restricting-public-access-to-toxic-pollution-information WASHINGTON, DC – New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo filed suit today on behalf of twelve states challenging a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that limits public access to information about toxic chemical releases. The rule, finalized in December 2006, allows industries to withhold information on the quantities and locations of toxic chemical releases previously reported to the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). The TRI makes public information about toxic chemical releases by requiring industrial facilities to disclose their toxic pollution and waste management activities. This information empowers communities, workers and individuals to protect their health and local environment. “EPA’s rollbacks set a dangerous precedent that undermines two decades of public access to toxic pollution data,” said Environment America staff attorney Alex Fidis. “Congress established the TRI program to serve the public by providing toxic release information, and the lawsuit is a welcome action to compel EPA to comply with the law.” The twelve-state lawsuit, filed in federal district court, challenges EPA’s rule as a violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 – the law that created the TRI. The suit alleges that EPA violated the Act by eliminating a substantial majority of the toxic chemical information, by arbitrarily reversing a previous policy on collecting data for a dangerous class of persistent and bioaccumulative toxics, and for improperly attempting to limit the public disclosure of information. The lawsuit follows a California law enacted in response to EPA’s rule. The law requires California facilities to continue full TRI reporting as if EPA’s rule did not exist. EPA’s right-to-know restrictions have also been opposed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the U.S. House of Representatives, more than 122,000 public commentors, and the EPA’s own Science Advisory Board. In congressional testimony, the Government Accountability Office stated, “The TRI reporting changes will likely have a significant impact on information available to the public about dozens of toxic chemicals from thousands of facilities in states and communities across the country.” Environment America supports the Toxic Right-to-Know Protection Act (S. 595, H.R. 1055), federal legislation introduced by Senator Lautenberg and Representative Pallone to reverse EPA’s assault on the public’s right-to-know about toxic chemicals in communities. The other states joining New York are: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont. http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/twelve-states-sue-epa-for-restricting-public-access-to-toxic-pollution-information Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:17:29 -0600 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/toxic-cleanups-slow-as-superfund-bankruptcy-intensifies-funding-shortfalls Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. WASHINGTON, DC – September 30th marks the end of the federal fiscal year, and another year of bankruptcy for the Superfund hazardous waste cleanup program. Since the Superfund first went bankrupt in 2003, attempts to compensate for lost polluter payments with taxpayer money have not prevented delays and postponements at many toxic waste cleanups. The Superfund provides money to clean the nation’s worst toxic waste sites when no other viable sources of funding are available. A set of three polluter fees once ensured that polluting industries paid for these Superfund-led toxic cleanups. These polluter fees expired in 1995 and Superfund cleanups are now paid for with scarce taxpayer dollars. “The exclusive use of taxpayer money to cleanup after irresponsible corporations is fiscally reckless and amounts to nothing more than polluter welfare,” said Alex Fidis a Staff Attorney with U.S. PIRG. Without the revenue from the polluter fees, taxpayers pay approximately $1.2 billion annually for Superfund cleanups. Despite this significant investment, the Superfund program still does not receive full funding, creating shortfalls that jeopardize public health by delaying critical toxic cleanups. In 2006, EPA cleaned only 24 sites, a significant departure from the average of 77 cleaned each year. Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) recently introduced legislation (H.R. 3636) that would restore the polluter pays fees. It is estimated that reinstating the fees would generate more than $1.6 billion annually, an amount sufficient to cover current Superfund needs. “Reinstating the polluter pays fees will compel polluters to pay their fair share and alleviate the burden on taxpayers,” said Fidis. “Most importantly, polluter funding will provide the increase in cleanup money necessary to achieve Superfund’s important public health goals.” http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/toxic-cleanups-slow-as-superfund-bankruptcy-intensifies-funding-shortfalls Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:24:21 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/technologies-can-eliminate-chemical-hazards-at-pulp-and-paper-mills Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. Pulp and paper mills that use chlorine or chlorine dioxide http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/technologies-can-eliminate-chemical-hazards-at-pulp-and-paper-mills Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/senate-committee-votes-to-restore-toxic-chemical-right-to-know Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Environment and Public Works http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/senate-committee-votes-to-restore-toxic-chemical-right-to-know Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/senate-committee-votes-to-restore-toxic-chemical-right-to-know2 Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today approved legislation to restore public access to information about toxic chemical pollution in communities. The Toxic Right-to-Know Protection Act (S. 595), sponsored by Senators Lautenberg and Boxer, would rescind a recent EPA action curtailing the amount of information available on the federal Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). “EPA’s recent rule sets a dangerous precedent that undermines two decades of public access to toxic pollution information,” said U.S. PIRG staff attorney Alex Fidis. “Today the committee has recognized that when it comes to toxic pollution, what we don’t know can hurt us, our families and neighbors.” The TRI provides information to the public about toxic chemicals in communities by requiring industrial facilities to report their toxic pollution and waste management activities. In December 2006, EPA finalized a rule authorizing industrial facilities to withhold previously submitted toxic chemical data. TRI data is used by communities, emergency responders, and public officials to understand and address both regional and parochial toxic chemical health threats. This regulatory rollback was opposed by agencies and officials representing 23 different states, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the House of Representatives, more than 122,000 public commentors, and EPA’s own Science Advisory Board. EPA rationalizes the toxic pollution disclosure rollbacks as a means of reducing burden on regulated industries. According to the Government Accountability Office, however, the TRI rollbacks will result in minimal burden reduction with facilities saving less than $900 a year, on average. In exchange for this symbolic burden reduction, the GAO stated that “the TRI reporting changes will likely have a significant impact on information available to the public about dozens of toxic chemicals from thousands of facilities in states and communities across the country.” http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/senate-committee-votes-to-restore-toxic-chemical-right-to-know2 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:25:43 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/new-report-links-toxic-pollution-and-health-hazards-as-epa-acts-to-restrict-pollution-data Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. Washington, DC – In 2004 alone, U.S. industrial facilities released 1.5 billion pounds of toxic pollutants linked to serious health effects, threatening hundreds of communities across the country, according to a new report released today by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The report, "Toxic Pollution and Health," uses information from the federal Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) to analyze toxic pollution linked to serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects or neurological damage. Due to a recent EPA action restricting the public’s right-to-know, this report may provide one of the last complete pictures of toxic pollution. In one year these facilities released more than 70 million pounds of known carcinogens and 826 million pounds of neurotoxins to the air and water. The report analyzes these dangerous releases by state, country and zip code to provide a detailed toxic pollution picture. “This report confirms that the health of many communities across the country is routinely put at risk by toxic pollution,” said U.S. PIRG staff attorney Alex Fidis. “Unfortunately, EPA’s attack on the public’s right-to-know means that many communities will be left in the dark about this risk. EPA’s rollbacks take communities from the information age back to the stone age.” The federal Toxic Release Inventory is a public right-to-know program that requires industrial facilities to publicly disclose their toxic releases. In 2004, EPA reported that the TRI has helped to reduce toxic pollution by 57% nationwide since its inception in 1988. Despite this success, the EPA recently weakened the program by authorizing industrial facilities to withhold previously reported pollution information. “To address the potential health threats from toxic pollution, we need complete information about what toxics are being released, where, and in what amounts,” said Fidis. “These toxics are the worst of the worst and pose tangible threats to public health that must be addressed.” Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Hilda L. Solis (D-CA), and Senators Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Boxer (D-CA), recently challenged EPA’s rollbacks by introducing the Toxic Right-to-Know Protection Act (H.R. 1055 and S. 595). This legislation would reverse the rollbacks to restore the lost data and to ensure that communities have the full and complete toxic pollution information they deserve. http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/new-report-links-toxic-pollution-and-health-hazards-as-epa-acts-to-restrict-pollution-data Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/epa-action-allows-companies-to-withhold-information-on-toxic-chemicals Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. Washington, DC – For the first time ever, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized two rollbacks to the nation’s premier toxic pollution disclosure program, the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). The changes announced today enable facilities to withhold currently reported information about toxic chemicals and restricts public access to information about toxic pollution. “EPA’s actions take us back to the dark ages when the public knew nothing about toxic releases and when companies couldn’t be held accountable for pollution that threatened public health,” said U.S. PIRG staff attorney Alex Fidis. “EPA is substituting a don’t ask, don’t tell policy for a program that works to protect public health and the environment.” The TRI is one of the most successful federal environmental programs, and has been praised by environmental organizations, industry, and state and local governments. While the TRI requires companies only to publicly disclose toxic chemical use and pollution, EPA credits the program with contributing to a 40 percent reduction in toxic pollution over an 18-year period. In addition to encouraging voluntary toxic reductions, the TRI provides valuable data that is used by the public, firefighters and emergency responders, investors, researchers, and state and local governments. EPA’s first change to the TRI will limit the amount of data disclosed by authorizing companies to use or release four to ten times more toxic chemicals before they are required to submit a report. The second part of the rule enables companies to withhold information about the use and production of dangerous persistent bioaccumulative toxics. EPA had also planned to change the frequency of submission of reports from once a year to once every two years, but abandoned this proposal in response to intense opposition. The final rule announced today is opposed by public health and environmental organizations, governmental agencies in 23 states, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and more than 122,000 individual public commentors. In May 2005, the House of Representatives voted to block EPA from implementing the TRI rollbacks, but the Senate was unable to consider a similar measure before EPA finalized the changes. “The fundamental purpose of TRI is to inform the public about toxic pollution and to drive voluntary toxic reductions that protect public health by putting polluting companies under a public microscope,” said Fidis. “Restricting public access to toxic data undermines the purpose and effectiveness of TRI and is contrary to the best interests of the public.” http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/epa-action-allows-companies-to-withhold-information-on-toxic-chemicals Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/house-fails-to-strengthen-weak-chemical-security-program Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. WASHINGTON, http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/house-fails-to-strengthen-weak-chemical-security-program Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/chemical-industry-backroom-deal-will-derail-real-chemical-security-solutions Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. WASHINGTON—The http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/chemical-industry-backroom-deal-will-derail-real-chemical-security-solutions Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/house-committee-passes-legislation-to-secure-chemical-facilities Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. House Committee Passes Legislation to Secure Chemical Facilities http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/house-committee-passes-legislation-to-secure-chemical-facilities Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/taxpayers-pay-to-clean-up-after-polluters-at-nations-toxic-waste-sites Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. WASHINGTON, http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/taxpayers-pay-to-clean-up-after-polluters-at-nations-toxic-waste-sites Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/oil-refineries-pose-unnecessary-security-risk-to-17-million-americans Environment America is the new home of U.S. PIRG’s environmental work. Oil refineries needlessly endanger 17 million Americans in http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/oil-refineries-pose-unnecessary-security-risk-to-17-million-americans Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/washington-state-house-of-representatives-passes-ban-on-toxic-flame-retardants http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/healthy-communities/healthy-communities/washington-state-house-of-representatives-passes-ban-on-toxic-flame-retardants Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:49:51 -0500 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/report-toxic-chemicals-from-everyday-products-found-in-illinoisans-bodies Read the Report. Chicago, IL—Three toxic chemicals used in everyday products were found in five Illinoisans and 30 other volunteers in a nationwide biomonitoring project, according to a new report issued today by Environment Illinois and a coalition of public interest groups. The report comes at a time of heightened awareness of toxics in consumer products, following summer revelations about lead in children’s toys and lipstick. The report, entitled Is It In Us?: Chemical Contamination in our Bodies - Toxic Trespass, Regulatory Failure and Opportunities for Action, documents the results of blood and urine testing of 35 people from seven states for contamination with three toxic chemical families: phthalates, bisphenol A and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The project found all three types of toxic chemicals in every person tested. “This report asked a basic question: If toxic pollution is in the products we use everyday, is it also in our bodies? The answer is yes. Just by going about their daily lives, Illinoisans are exposed to toxic chemicals,” said Max Muller, environmental advocate at Environment Illinois, and the project’s Illinois coordinator. “This exposure happens without most people’s knowledge, and certainly without their consent.” The detected chemicals are ubiquitous in common products people use everyday, including baby bottles, shower curtains, cosmetics, upholstered furniture, computers, toys and scores of other common items found in most American homes, schools and workplaces. Human and animal studies have linked the three chemicals to birth defects, cancer, learning disabilities, infertility, asthma, obesity and other health impacts. For some toxic chemicals, the levels found in people are near or above levels linked to health impacts in laboratory animals. "People have a trust that products manufactured and sold in the United States are safe. This report proves otherwise. The results are particularly troubling to me as a nursing mother,” said Stephanie Felten of Aurora, a project participant, U.S. Naval veteran, and student. “The chemicals looked for and detected in this project have been linked to birth defects, asthma, cancer, learning disabilities, obesity and diabetes--conditions of urgent public health concern,” said Ted Schettler, MD, the Science Director at Science and Environmental Health Network, and a medical and public health expert. “Just as disturbing, we have no information at all about the potential health effects of many other chemicals to which we are exposed because pre-market safety testing is not required for most of them in the US.” The 1976 Toxics Substances Control Act, the federal law regulating industrial chemicals, has never been updated to reflect advances in science, such as evidence that even tiny doses of toxic substances may cause harm. While bisphenol A, phthalates, and PBDEs are known toxics, more than three-quarters of the 80,000 chemicals in American use have never undergone even basic toxicity screening. Even less is known about what combinations of chemical exposures exacerbate their impacts. “It is not okay for industrial chemicals to be in people’s bodies. This kind of pollution shouldn’t be allowed.” Said Mattie Hunter, project participant and State Senator from Chicago. “With these chemicals ubiquitous in our environment, homes, and, as this project shows, our bodies, even careful shopping can’t prevent exposure,” said Max Muller. “Our nation’s chemical safety system has failed. We need to adopt common sense policies that will protect people from involuntary exposure to toxic chemicals from products we use every day.” The report concludes that the United States must adopt a comprehensive federal policy to raise the standards governing chemical use. A common sense chemical policy would: phase out harmful chemicals and substitute safer alternatives; require that chemicals be screened for safety and that toxicity data be publicly available; and promote, not stifle, the development of new alternatives and environmentally-friendly technologies. Some states are taking the lead by creating policy solutions that could be adopted nationally. Maine, Washington and Hawaii this year adopted new laws phasing out toxic PBDEs and, in October, California adopted a law, modeled after and existing European Union provision, to eliminate toxic phthalates from children’s toys. Illinois is one of eleven states to have banned two of the three commercial formulations of the PBDEs. In 2007, State Representative Elaine Nekritz, also a project participant, sponsored legislation a to eliminate the third, which is called decaBDE, and was detected in the bodies of all but one of this projects’ participants. “While it is disturbing to know the level of these unwanted chemicals in my body, I believe it is important to have this information and use it to demand change,” said Nekritz. The report was released today at media events in Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. A full copy of the report, including biographic information and quotes from participants is available at www.isitinus.org. ### Illinois Project Participants Elaine Nekritz, 49, is the third term Democratic state representative of tree-lined Northbrook, where she lives, and five other suburbs Northwest of Chicago. Among her legislative priorities—healthcare, education, and local flooding and transportation issues— are implementing a state bio-monitoring program and phasing out dangerous toxics. She is an avid cyclist and lives with her husband, Barry. The project found four phthalates and seven PBDEs in Elaine, as well as bisphenol A in her blood and urine. “Biomonitoring projects such as this one are critical to establishing the need for a comprehensive chemicals policy in the United States. While it is disturbing to know the level of these unwanted chemicals in my body, I believe it is important to have this information and use it to demand change.” Stephanie Felten, 27, served for eight years in the U.S. Navy, including five years aboard a ship overseas. A California native, she moved to Aurora Illinois with her husband Chad in 2005. Now a full time student at North Central College and stay-at-home mother, Stephanie’s interest in toxics stemmed from possible environmental exposures to her son, Derek, which led her to found the advocacy group Illinois MOMs (Making our Milk Safe). The project found all five phthalates and eight PBDEs in Stephanie, as well as bisphenol A in her urine. “People have a trust that products manufactured and sold in the United States are safe. This report proves otherwise. Manufacturers need to be held to a standard of using alternatives that are proven safe. The practice of using chemicals until they are found to harm human health is violating basic human rights. The project results are particularly troubling to me as a nursing mother.” Dorian Breuer, 35, is a community organizer living in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, where he has fought to clean up the neighborhood’s industrial polluters. He has run for the Illinois State Senate. He commutes by bicycle to his new job, where he provides technical support for a Chicago nonprofit. In September 2007, he married his fiancée, Morgan. The project found four phthalates and seven PBDEs in Dorian, as well as bisphenol A in his urine. “This project has highlighted for me the pervasiveness of industrial chemical exposure in the modern world. How can the chemical makers oppose basic safety screening for chemicals? It seems like the same situation as the big-three automakers opposing seatbelts.” Mattie Hunter, 53, has been a Democratic State Senator from Chicago since 2003 and has sponsored successful bills to reduce toxic mercury in products and fund breast cancer research. Her interest in toxics stems, in part, from high lead-contamination levels discovered in her district. She is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor. The project found four phthalates and seven PBDEs in Mattie, as well as bisphenol A in her urine. Mattie had the project’s highest levels of diethyl phthalate, above the CDC’s 75th percentile. “I was surprised to learn these chemicals were in my body, but in some ways, I’m surprised it wasn’t worse given some of the polluted places I’ve lived. It is not okay for industrial chemicals to be in people’s bodies. This kind of pollution shouldn’t be allowed.” Anonymous woman. The project found four phthalates and seven PBDEs in this participant, as well as bisphenol A in her blood and urine and the second-highest level of the phthalate DEHP. The sum of her metabolites for DEHP was nearly twice the 95th percentile in the CDC’s third biomonitoring study. At her request, this participant was not identified. ### Environment Illinois is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan, environmental advocacy organization. Is It In Us? is a project of the Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center and the Body Burden Working Group, a coalition of organizations including, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Connecticut Clean Water Action, Environment Illinois, Massachusetts Clean Water Action, Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and The JustGreen Partnership. For more information please visit www.isitinus.org. http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/report-toxic-chemicals-from-everyday-products-found-in-illinoisans-bodies Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:12:31 -0600 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/chemical-security-legislation-must-include-safer-technologies2 A Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee marked up the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 today. We applaud Chairwoman Jackson Lee and the subcommittee for taking action to protect our nation’s chemical plants. More than six years after 9/11, the lack of a comprehensive federal program to regulate chemical plant security leaves a hole in our nation’s defenses and places millions of Americans at risk. Congress must close this hole by passing legislation to defend against terrorist threats and reduce or eliminate the consequences of an attack. The chemical security bill begins to address the deficiencies in our nation’s chemical plant defenses, and should continue to improve as it moves through the Homeland Security Committee. We strongly support the requirement for facilities to use safer technologies, such as the use of safer chemicals, to reduce the consequence of a chemical release. Requiring companies to use safer chemicals, particularly when safer and cost-effective technologies are available, is the common-sense way to make chemical plants more secure. Congress should pass legislation that replaces dangerous chemical operations with feasible safer technologies, integrates employee participation in safety and security initiatives, and protects the ability of state and local governments to implement more stringent health, safety and security requirements. http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/chemical-security-legislation-must-include-safer-technologies2 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:50:55 -0600 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/chemical-security-legislation-must-include-safer-technologies A Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee marked up the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 today. We applaud Chairwoman Jackson Lee and the subcommittee for taking action to protect our nation’s chemical plants. More than six years after 9/11, the lack of a comprehensive federal program to regulate chemical plant security leaves a hole in our nation’s defenses and places millions of Americans at risk. Congress must close this hole by passing legislation to defend against terrorist threats and reduce or eliminate the consequences of an attack. The chemical security bill begins to address the deficiencies in our nation’s chemical plant defenses, and should continue to improve as it moves through the Homeland Security Committee. We strongly support the requirement for facilities to use safer technologies, such as the use of safer chemicals, to reduce the consequence of a chemical release. Requiring companies to use safer chemicals, particularly when safer and cost-effective technologies are available, is the common-sense way to make chemical plants more secure. Congress should pass legislation that replaces dangerous chemical operations with feasible safer technologies, integrates employee participation in safety and security initiatives, and protects the ability of state and local governments to implement more stringent health, safety and security requirements. http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/chemical-security-legislation-must-include-safer-technologies Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:50:27 -0600 http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/new-report-formaldehyde-from-baby-nursery-furniture-contaminates-indoor-air Baby nursery cribs, changing tables, and dressers can emit formaldehyde at levels linked with increased risk of childhood allergies and asthma, according to a new report released today by Environment California Research & PolicyCenter. In Toxic Baby Furniture: The Latest Case for Making Products Safe from the Start, Environment California Research & Policy Center worked with an independent laboratory to determine whether formaldehyde emissions from common baby nursery furnishings significantly contribute to indoor air pollution. “One toxic chemical after another, we’re finding them in our children’s products at levels known to contribute to significant health problems ranging from asthma to cancer. Unfortunately, formaldehyde is just the latest example,” said Rachel Gibson, report co-author and staff attorney for Environment California. “Right now, through the Green Chemistry Initiative, California has the opportunity to provide real protections to children by requiring the replacement of toxic chemicals with safer alternatives.” Environment California Research & Policy Center worked with an independent laboratory to test 21 products intended for use in a baby nursery. We purchased the products from Babies “R” Us, Target, and Wal-Mart. Six of the cribs, changing tables, and dressers produced high levels of formaldehyde emissions—levels associated with an increased risk of developing allergies and asthma. - Of the products tested, the Child Craft Oak Crib emitted the highest levels of formaldehyde. The crib includes a drawer made with composite wood, which is often manufactured using formaldehyde-based glue. - Other products with high formaldehyde emissions included the Bridget 4-in-1 Crib by Delta, the Kayla II Changing Table by Storkcraft, the Berkley Changing Table by Jardine Enterprises, the Country Style Changing Table by South Shore Furniture, and the Rochester Cognac Crib by Storkcraft. - The remaining 15 products tested, including the Olympia Single Crib by Jardine Enterprises; several wastebaskets, lamps, and shelves made with composite wood; and several window valances and wall hangings, emitted relatively low levels of formaldehyde. The implications of these findings are startling: - A new single-family home furnished with a Child Craft Oak Crib and a Storkcraft Kayla II Changing Table—and no other furniture—would have indoor formaldehyde levels of about 30 parts per billion (ppb) on average throughout the entire house. A unit in a new apartment building would have indoor formaldehyde levels as high as 52 ppb. - Studies have shown that chronic exposure to formaldehyde at levels greater than 16 ppb in indoor air is linked with an increased likelihood of respiratory problems (such as coughing) and allergies in children. Indoor formaldehyde levels greater than 50 ppb have been associated with an increased risk of diagnosed asthma. - Formaldehyde levels could be higher in the actual baby nursery. For example, in a lightly-ventilated nursery furnished with a Child Craft Oak Crib, formaldehyde levels could be as high as 75 ppb. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical widely used in the manufacturing of building materials and a variety of household products. Manufacturers use formaldehyde in glues and adhesives, as a preservative in paints, and as a means to give fabrics a permanent-press quality. When used in the home, formaldehyde-containing products can release the chemical into indoor air. In particular, products made from composite wood containing urea-formaldehyde glue tend to create indoor air pollution. Children chronically exposed to elevated levels of airborne formaldehyde face an increased risk of developing allergies and asthma. In addition, the state of California and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classify formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. The California Air Resources Board recently finalized a new rule to limit the amount of formaldehyde emissions acceptable in products made of composite wood that are sold or used in California. With vigorous enforcement, this regulation will reduce our exposure to formaldehyde. However, the new regulation will not eliminate formaldehyde emissions from consumer products. Even under the new limits established by the rule, a home with composite-wood furnishings could still contain the high levels of formaldehyde associated with chronic health problems. Moreover, formaldehyde represents just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to toxic chemicals in consumer products. First it was toxic chemicals in crib mattresses, then toxic chemicals in plastic teethers, toys, and baby bottles, now toxic chemicals in baby furniture. California has the opportunity to lead the nation in moving beyond the chemical by chemical approach to getting known hazards out of consumer products. The state has undertaken a new initiative—called the Green Chemistry Initiative—to tackle the problem of toxic chemicals in consumer products using a more holistic approach. Later this month, the California Environmental Protection Agency will release draft recommendations that will address, among other things, how to systematically remove toxic chemicals from consumer products. To be successful, California’s Green Chemistry Initiative must: Require chemical manufacturers to prove their chemicals are safe before allowing them to be used in consumer products, Empower state regulators to restrict or ban the manufacture and use of chemicals that pose potential dangers to human health or the environment, and Ensure the public has access to information about chemicals used in consumer products and the potential health impacts they pose. As with other toxic chemicals, alternatives to formaldehyde exist. For example, Columbia Forest Products, which is North America’s largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer, uses a natural adhesive made primarily of soy flour and water as a substitute for formaldehyde-based adhesives. Notably, these products cost no more than those made with the standard urea-formaldehyde adhesive. In the absence of government action, Environment CaliforniaResearch & Policy Center recommends that parents and others caring for children do the following: Ask about the formaldehyde emissions of furniture, cabinetry, and building materials before you purchase and install them in your home. If such information is not available, avoid products that have components made of raw medium density fiberboard or other types of composite wood. Ensure adequate ventilation and maintain moderate temperatures and humidity levels within your home. Place pollution-absorbing plants—such as spider plants, Boston ferns, dwarf date palms, pot mums, or peace lilies—in your home. For additional helpful tips and other information to protect children’s health, visit www.EnvironmentCalifornia.org. “Parents cannot be expected to deal with these issues on their own,” said Gibson. “While California has taken some action to reduce exposures to formaldehyde, the state must do more. The governor promised he would work to protect children’s health, and now he needs to fulfill his promise.” http://www.environmentamerica.org/news-releases/toxic-free-communities/stop-toxic-pollution/new-report-formaldehyde-from-baby-nursery-furniture-contaminates-indoor-air Wed, 07 May 2008 10:29:17 -0500