Pressroom
Press Contacts
- Ivy Sager Rosenthal
- Campaign Director
- isager-rosenthal@watoxics.org
- Phone: 206-632-1545 Ext: 122
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- Erika Schreder
- Staff Scientist
- eschreder@watoxics.org
- Phone: 206-632-1545 x 119
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Press Releases
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May 01, 2013
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Walmart, Gap, J.C. Penny Among Companies Reporting; Advocates Call For Companies To Stop Using Harmful Chemicals, Find Safer AlternativesOver 5000 children’s products contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive problems according to reports filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). An analysis of the reports by the Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States found that makers of kids’ products reported using a total of 41 chemicals identified by Ecology as a concern for children’s health, including toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, and antimony, and organic compounds such as phthalates. Major manufacturers who reported using the chemicals in their products include Walmart, Gap, Gymboree, Hallmark, and H & M.
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Apr 29, 2013
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State Senate Chooses to Protect Chemical Makers and Walmart Instead of Kids’ Health; Health and Environmental Advocates Hopeful Bill Will Be Reconsidered In May Special SessionYesterday, bowing to pressure from chemical makers, Walmart, and the Association of Washington Business, the Washington State Senate failed to pass a strong ban on toxic flame retardants in children’s products and home furniture. The bill, called the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act, was sponsored by Sen. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island) and Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim).
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Mar 19, 2013
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Diverse Coalition To Urge Passage Of Strong Flame Retardant Ban At Senate HearingNew chemical reports filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology show children’s product manufacturer Graco is using the harmful chemical flame retardant TBBPA in its products. TBBPA has been shown to affect thyroid hormone activity in laboratory studies. It may affect nervous system function as well. Graco recently made headlines by pledging to stop using the cancer-causing flame retardant chlorinated Tris in its products.
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Mar 07, 2013
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Health Advocates Urge Senate To Move State Off Toxic TreadmillThe Washington State House of Representatives passed a ban on toxic flame retardants in home furniture and children’s products late last night by a vote of 53-44. The Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (HB 1294), sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim), would ban the use of the harmful flame retardants TCEP and TDCPP in children’s products and home furniture, beginning July 1, 2014. The legislation would also help ensure that manufacturers use safer chemicals as replacements.
Press Clips
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Sep 24, 2012Seattle PI.com
- For the first time, makers of children’s products are disclosing the presence in their products of 66 toxic chemicals that are a concern to children’s health.
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Sep 24, 2012Komo News
- Starting Monday, you can go online and find out about some of the toxic chemicals being used to make toys and products meant for children. You'll find chemicals you've never heard of, and some that you can't even pronounce. In response to a new state law, major toy manufacturers are lifting the veil and disclosing their use of chemicals identified by the state as chemicals of concern -- 66 toxic chemicals often found in toys, kids jewelry, and kids cosmetics. These include chemicals safety advocates have warned us about for years, because of potentially long-term health risks for babies and children.
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Mar 19, 2010Associated Press
- Baby bottles and sports bottles sold in Washington state will soon have to be free of the chemical bisphenol A under a measure signed into law on Friday by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
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Mar 19, 2010Associated Press
- Low pesticide concentrations, generally below levels that violate state or federal water quality standards, have been detected in five Washington watersheds where salmon are found, according to a new study.
