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There are many ways to address the problems of toxic chemicals in our everyday lives. One important tool is the implementation of policies that direct the market to switch to safer solutions. The JustGreen Partnership is committed to working at the local, state and federal level to implement policies that follow the principles of the Louisville Charter for Safer Chemicals:
- Require Safer Substitutes and Solutions
- Phase Out Persistent, Bioaccumulative, or Highly Toxic Chemicals
- Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-to-Know and Participate
- Act with Foresight and take action when credible evidence shows that harm may be occuring
- Require Comprehensive Safety Data for All Chemicals
- Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers
Got Toxic Chemicals?
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...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...Declare Your Independence from Toxic Chemicals!
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...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.
Read more...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.
Read more...