Press Releases
These are our press releases
Bill Banning Toxic Chemical In Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Water Bottles Passes House Overwhelmingly
The Washington State House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed the Safe Baby Bottle Act (2SHB 1180), a bill to eliminate the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from food and beverage containers used by children. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 95-1.
Washington State House Passes Ban On Toxic BPA In Baby Bottles and Kids’ Dishware
The Washington State House today overwhelmingly passed the Safe Baby Bottle Act (SSB 6248), a bill to eliminate the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles, sippy cups, and other children’s dishware, as well as from sports bottles. The Senate is likely to concur and Governor Gregoire is expected to sign the bill.
Poison for the Pooch: New Database on Toxic Chemicals in Pet Toys and Other Products Reveals Hazards
The Washington Toxics Coalition and the Michigan-based Ecology Center today released the results of chemical tests on over 900 common products. Tests reveal that toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, are present in pet products, children’s car seats, backpacks, and more...
Washington State Senate Concurs With House BPA Ban 38-9
The Washington State Senate today overwhelmingly concurred with the House on the Safe Baby Bottle Act (SSB 6248), a bill to eliminate the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles, sippy cups, and other children’s dishware, as well as from sports bottles. The vote was 38-9. Governor Gregoire is expected to sign the bill.
Bill Banning BPA In Baby Bottles Passes Washington State Senate 36-9
"Today's passage of the Safe Baby Bottle Act (SB 6248) by the Washington State Senate is a step in the right direction for eliminating bisphenol A in items children use everyday. However, we were hoping the Senate would include polycarbonate sports water bottles in the bill.
Statement of Washington Toxics Coalition Regarding EPA Announcement of Deca Flame Retardant Phase-out and Federal Legislation Introduced Today
EPA's announcement of a voluntary phase out of the toxic flame retardant deca (BDE) by the only two U.S. deca manufacturers and the largest U.S. importer is a huge victory for children's health and the environment.
Legislature Fails To Pass Bill Banning Toxic Sex Hormone In Baby Bottles
Legislature fails to pass bill banning BPA.
Legislature Ensures Washington a Leader in Sustainable Agriculture
The budget passed this weekend by the Washington State Legislature substantially increases funding for research and teaching on sustainable agriculture at Washington State University. State legislators approved at least $400,000 in additional funding for WSU's Biologically Intensive and Organic Farming (BIOAg) program, sending a strong message that they support sustainable farming.
Dangerous Ducky and Other Toxic Toys
Results from new testing released today by the Seattle-based Washington Toxics Coalition for the Toxic Free Legacy Coalition show high levels of phthalates, toxic compounds that have been linked to potential harmful health effects, in popular children's toys.
Doctors and Nurses Urge Legislators to Eliminate Toxic Flame Retardants
Doctors and nurses from around Washington are saying "the science is in hand" on the toxic flame retardants PBDEs and are urging quick passage of a bill to ban all forms of the chemical. A letter signed by 300 Washington State physicians, nurses and other health professionals cites harmful health impacts from PBDEs including learning and behavioral disorders, memory impairments, disruption of thyroid function, reproductive effects, and cancer.
Washington State Legislature Passes First-in-the-Nation Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants
The Washington State Legislature has passed the nation's first ban on all forms of the toxic flame retardants known as PBDEs. The Senate passed ESHB1024, sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina), by a 41 to 8 margin at noon today.
Popular Holiday Toys Contaminated with High Levels of Toxic Chemicals
Lead, Cadmium, and Other Harmful Chemicals Found in Popular Children's Toys - Leading Environmental Health Groups Release Testing Results Today at www.HealthyToys.org
Court Stops Pesticide Spraying Along Salmon Streams and Requires Salmon Warnings in Urban Home and Garden Stores
Press Release: Court Stops Pesticide Spraying Along Salmon Streams and Requires Salmon Warnings in Urban Home and Garden Stores
Conservation Groups File Lawsuit to Stop EPA from Using Insider Chemical Group to Forge Policy
Press Release: Conservation Groups File Lawsuit to Stop EPA from Using Insider Chemical Group to Forge Policy
Groups Thank Governor for Taking Action to Stop Toxic Pollution
Press Release: Groups Thank Governor for Taking Action to Stop Toxic Pollution
New Bush Regulations Ease Restrictions on Pesticide Use, Threaten Salmon and Wildlife
Press Release: New Bush Regulations Ease Restrictions on Pesticide Use, Threaten Salmon and Wildlife
Legislature Supports Phaseout of Persistent Toxic Chemicals
Press Release: Legislature Supports Phaseout of Persistent Toxic Chemicals
Conservation Groups Oppose Controversial Bush Proposal to Weaken Pesticide Protections for Endangered Species
Press Release: Conservation Groups Oppose Controversial Bush Proposal to Weaken Pesticide Protections for Endangered Species
Heavy Use of Pesticides in Schools Threatens Washington Children
Press Release: Heavy Use of Pesticides in Schools Threatens Washington Children
Appeals Court Keeps No-Spray Buffers for Salmon In Place
Press Release: Appeals Court Keeps No-Spray Buffers for Salmon In Place
Many U.S. Residents Carry Toxic Pesticides Above "Safe" Levels
Press Release: Many U.S. Residents Carry Toxic Pesticides Above "Safe" Levels
High Levels of Toxic Fire Retardants Found in House Dust
Press Release: High Levels of Toxic Fire Retardants Found in House Dust
Investors Beware: Stericycle Burns Waste, Endangers Communities
Press Release: Investors Beware: Stericycle Burns Waste, Endangers Communities
U.S. District Court Keeps No-Spray Pesticide Buffers in Place to Protect Salmon
Press Release: U.S. District Court Keeps No-Spray Pesticide Buffers in Place to Protect Salmon
Appeals Court Keeps No-Spray Buffers for Salmon in Place
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to set aside a lower court ruling prohibiting the spraying of certain pesticides near salmon streams while chemical companies appeal.
Groups File Notice of Lawsuit for EPA Failures
Conservation and fishing groups today put the Environmental Protection Agency on notice that it will face legal action unless it adequately protects salmon from pesticides, as required by law.
Ecology Unveils Plan for Eliminating Toxic Flame Retardants
Press Release: Ecology Unveils Plan for Eliminating Toxic Flame Retardants
Environmental Groups and Kimberly-Clark Reach Agreement on Mill's Clean Water Act Permit
Press Release: Environmental Groups and Kimberly-Clark Reach Agreement on Mill's Clean Water Act Permit
Government Rule Cutting Wildlife Experts out of Pesticide Reviews Illegal, Says Coalition of Conservation and Fishing Groups
The government's recent decision to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether a pesticide harms endangered species without consulting with federal wildlife agencies weakens protection for those species and endangers the health of farm workers and the public.
Northwest Women Contaminated with Toxic Flame Retardants
A new study of 40 mothers from Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Montana found PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in the breast milk of every woman tested.
PVC Plastic Presents Looming Waste Crisis for Washington State
The ubiquitous plastic has been spread around the world in uses ranging from plastic pipe and vinyl siding to toys and packaging, such as the type used by Microsoft to wrap computer software.
Health and Environmental Advocates Urge Legislature to Adopt Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants
Rep. Ross Hunter and Sen. Debbie Regala have introduced legislation to ban toxic flame retardants, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (or PBDEs) found to be building up in breast milk and the environment.
Citizens' Message to Legislators: Get Toxic Chemical Out of Our Homes and Our Breast Milk
Press Release: Citizens' Message to Legislators: Get Toxic Chemical Out of Our Homes and Our Breast Milk
Bill to Ban Toxic Flame Retardants (PBDEs) Advances in Washington State Legislature
Legislation to ban toxic chemicals used widely as flame retardants in electronics, furniture, and carpet has moved out of environmental committees this week and could be heading for passage in the full House and Senate as early as next week.
Chemical Culprits Found in Common Household Products
Press Release: Chemical Culprits Found in Common Household Products
City of Seattle Rejects PVC Pipe in Favor of Environmentally Friendly Choice
Press Release: City of Seattle Rejects PVC Pipe in Favor of Environmentally Friendly Choice
Washington Toxics Coalition Joins National Pesticide-Free Lawn Campaign
Joining with more than twenty other organizations around the country, the Washington Toxics Coalition is urging consumers to buy organic not only when it comes to purchasing food for their families, but also when hiring a lawn service or purchasing products for their own lawn.
Moms, Doctors, and Concerned Citizens Tell Legislators to Ban Toxic Flame Retardants
Today, in the waning days of legislative session, moms, doctors, and concerned citizens traveled to Olympia to urge legislators to vote "yes" on proposed legislation banning toxic flame retardants.
Legislature Delays Bill to Ban Toxic Flame Retardants But Funds Further Action
Confusion created by out-of-state chemical industry interests and a time crunch at the end of the session resulted in the Washington State Legislature delaying action on an important bill that would have phased out the use of all forms of toxic flame retardants (PBDEs) in consumer products.
Lawn Insecticide Fouls Local Streams
A new analysis of urban pesticide sales and stream contamination in the Northwest revealed a shocking increase in sales of the toxic insecticide carbaryl.
Appeals Court Upholds Pesticide Spraying Buffer Along Salmon Streams
In a heartening victory for people living in the Pacific Northwest, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld a lower court ruling restricting the use of 38 dangerous pesticides near Northwest rivers and streams where salmon live.
Washington Lakes to Receive Protections from Pesticides
Press Release: Washington Lakes to Receive Protections from Pesticides
Coalition Applauds Ecology Action on Stopping Dental Mercury Pollution
A coalition of environmental and health groups today applauded the Department of Ecology for announcing a plan to stop dentists from illegally disposing of dental mercury amalgam.
Toxic Flame Retardants Overtaking Past Chemical Threats in Northwest Mothers
Press Release: Toxic Flame Retardants Overtaking Past Chemical Threats in Northwest Mothers
Community Leaders Seek Answers on Chemicals in their Bodies
Today, community leaders in Seattle and Bellevue embarked on a journey to discover what toxic chemicals from household products and polluting industries have contaminated their bodies.
Seattle School Board Adopts Strong Pesticide Reduction Policy
Last week, the Seattle School Board unanimously adopted a cutting-edge policy to protect students from exposure to hazardous pesticides at school. The Seattle School District is now the largest district in the state to eliminate uses of the most toxic pesticides.
Microsoft Completes Phaseout of PVC, 'the Poison Plastic'
Microsoft, along with Kaiser Permanente, Crabtree and Evelyn, and others announced they have joined the fast-growing ranks of major corporations demonstrating concern about the environmental health impacts of their products or packaging by phasing out PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl).
Group Demands Action to Ban Children's Lunchboxes Containing Lead
In response to a request from the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) to prohibit the sale of children's soft vinyl lunchboxes that contain high levels of lead -- a persistent toxic chemical that can have long-term health effects, including learning deficits and reduced IQ -- the Department of Ecology has announced plans to remove the products from store shelves.
Supreme Court Speaks: No-Spray Buffers to Stay in Place
The U.S. Supreme Court has turned aside an effort by the pesticide industry to overturn lower court rulings putting in place no-spray buffer zones near western salmon streams and consumer warnings on certain toxic pesticides.
Departments of Ecology and Health Urge Ban on Widely Used Toxic Flame Retardant (PBDEs)
Today, the Departments of Ecology and Health called for a ban on all forms of the toxic flame retardants called PBDEs, as part of a state plan to eliminate the chemicals. PBDES are used in many consumer products from furniture to televisions.
Legislature Funds Biological and Organic Farming Program
The Washington State Legislature has given a major boost to sustainable and organic farming with funding of a key program at Washington State University (WSU).
Legislature Fails to Pass Important Measure to Protect Children's Health and the Environment from Toxic Flame Retardants
Despite strong bipartisan support, the Legislature failed for the second consecutive year to pass important legislation to phase out the use of toxic flame retardants called PBDEs that are rapidly building up in breast milk, our bodies, and in wildlife.
Group Takes Action to Protect Lakes From Pesticides
The Washington Toxics Coalition announced today that it has filed an appeal of Washington state's permit to regulate the use of pesticides in Washington lakes.
Washingtonians Test Positive for Toxic Chemicals
Today a diverse group of Washingtonians gathered together for the first time to react to results from recent lab testing of their blood, hair, and urine, which detected from 26 to 39 toxic chemicals in each of their bodies.
New Consumer Pesticide Warnings Will Protect Salmon
June 6, 2006 - Home and garden stores up and down the West Coast will warn consumers of the dangers to salmon posed by seven common pesticides.
Widely Used Toxic Flame Retardant Banned in Televisions and Computers Sold in Europe
A ban on all new TVs, computers and all other electrical and electronic equipment containing the toxic flame retardant deca-BDE (deca), went into effect in the European Union on July 1, 2006.
Judge: Bush Administration Pesticide Rules for Endangered Species Are Illegal
A federal judge in Seattle today overturned new Bush administration rules that made it easier for pesticide makers to ignore the effects of their products on endangered plants and animals. The court set aside the administration's rules, and restored prior standards that provided greater protection to protected wildlife and plants.
Settlement Agreement Will Protect California Red-Legged Frogs From 66 Toxic Pesticides
A U.S. District Court Judge today signed a settlement agreement between the Center for Biological Diversity and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will protect the threatened California Red-legged Frog from 66 of the most toxic and persistent pesticides authorized for use in California.
X-Ray Testing finds PBDEs and lead in everyday consumer products
Today experts from the Washington Toxics Coalition revealed that a new high-tech test for toxic chemicals found PBDEs and lead in numerous everyday home and office items including high concentrations of toxic flame retardants (PBDEs) detected in nearly every TV tested.
