Safer Chemicals Healthy Families - Related News Items

Help! The Chemical Industry Is Winning!

We’re shocked. Sad. And angry. Last night, the Toxic-Free Kids Act was voted out of committee, but with an amendment written by the chemical industry that removed the most important parts of the bill. Now, children won’t be protected from these cancer-causing Tris flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in toys, baby blankets, and other items, unless the Senate votes to strengthen the bill by next Tuesday.

28 States To Consider Toxic Chemicals Legislation In 2012

The past couple years have seen unprecedented changes in the toxic chemicals landscape across the United States. In the past nine years, over 80 chemical safety laws have been passed with an overwhelming margin of bi-partisan support in statehouses across the country.

UPDATE: Toxic-Free Kids Act Moves Forward

Neither snow, nor ice, nor wind, nor rain, could keep supporters of the Toxic-Free Kids Act from Olympia and the State Capitol last week. And it's a good thing because it was quite a week in Olympia for the legisaltion.

We Freak Out So You Don't Have To

Are you feeling a little stressed? The craziness of the holidays can be enough to stress anyone out. Add concerns about cancer-causing chemicals in nursing pillows to the mix and I could understand how that could push anyone over the edge. Everyone, especially parents, has a million things to consider when they think about the health of their families. Packing a healthy lunch, making time for kids, and getting kids to soccer practice will always be on a parent’s to do list—but worrying about about cancer-causing chemicals in car seats or baby blankets shouldn’t be. With your help, we can make it a thing of the past.

Tips To Avoid Toxic Tris

As you’ve probably seen in many of our recent posts, toxic Tris flame retardants are bad news. Exposure to Tris has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and nervous system harm. By being mindful with certain purchases, you can try to limit your family’s exposure to these dangerous chemicals and reduce your toxic body burden.

Don't Be A Toxic Grinch!

This holiday season we’re making a list and checking it twice to find out who’s naughty and who’s keeping our children and future generations safe from harmful chemicals. The Toxic-Free Kids Act will be introduced in January, but we need to get the word out now. Why? Because we don’t want cancer-causing flame retardants in our children’s products and we need companies to stop replacing one toxic chemical with another in products made for kids.

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2011

The holidays should bring fun and good cheer, not worries about whether toxic ingredients in toys or other products may harm our loved ones. Before you go shopping, check out our tips for picking out the healthiest gifts for children and others this holiday season:

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2011

The holidays should bring fun and good cheer, not worries about whether toxic ingredients in toys or other products may harm our loved ones. Before you go shopping, check out our tips for picking out the healthiest gifts for children and others this holiday season:

Vacuum Away Toxic Chemicals

Vacuuming is not just for keeping up appearances! It’s actually an easy way to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure and common allergens in your home. Household dust contains many ingredients - some you’d expect, like pet dander, tracked-in soil, and dust mites. However, industrial chemicals like flame retardants, pesticides and heavy metals are also lurking in dust bunnies.

How To Make BPA-Free Pumpkin For Tasty Treats!

I grew up thinking that the only kind of edible pumpkin came in a can. I still get nostalgic when I think about the pumpkin pie my mom made every fall from a can of spiced pumpkin puree. Unfortunately, canned pumpkin also comes with a dose of the toxic chemical BPA. BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical, linked to health problems like cancer and diabetes that is found in the lining of
 canned goods, receipts, and polycarbonate plastic. Luckily giving up BPA doesn’t mean you have to
 give up your favorite pumpkin treats!

Breast Milk Is The Best Milk!

Cloth diapers? Check. Organic produce for mom? Check. Cosleeping on a wool and organic cotton mattress? Check. I was all set as a new mom to provide my baby with the very healthiest start in life. Most importantly, I planned to breastfeed. I knew that breast milk was the best possible food for my baby, and I also knew about the many health benefits that she and I would get from breastfeeding

Chlorinated Tris Officially A Carcinogen

Chlorinated Tris, the flame retardant once pulled from children’s pajamas and now widely used in foam for furniture and baby products, has been designated a carcinogen by a California panel. The chemical, also known as TDCPP, will now be listed as a carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65.

Lighten Your (Chemical) Load

All those products we use to make our clothes clean might take care of the dirt and grease, but they can leave nasty chemicals behind! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get your laundry squeaky clean without the toxic chemicals.

Trailblazing States Make Industry Cry "Uncle" on BPA

Bowing to pressure from state legislatures and a healthy consumer demand for safer products, the chemical industry announced today they are asking the FDA to eliminate bisphenol-a (BPA) from baby bottles and sippy cups. The industry, led by the American Chemistry Council, has mounted intense opposition to state and federal laws banning BPA.

Take The Next Step

I was talking to a friend and fellow festival attendee the other day; she had just been to a fun event where she had met like minded people and shown her support for the planet but had left asking “what’s next?” I have a feeling she is not alone. 

If you are ready to take your commitment to a toxic-free world to the next level this fall and meet with your state legislators email me at action@watoxcs.org.

Toxic Flame Retardants: In Our Homes, Our Dust, Our Lives

Toxic flame retardants are one of the most common sources of toxicity in our homes and our lives. They are used on everything from computer casings, to furniture, to carpeting, to children's products. "The problem is, they don't stay put," says Rebecca Williams, a reporter for The Environment Report. "They leach out of products and they get into us."

Ten Tips To Go Toxic-free On The Cheap

Most people agree that eliminating toxic chemicals from the home is a healthy choice. Yet, one of the most common things I hear from friends (including my husband) is that going toxic-free is too expensive, especially these days when household budgets are tight. But a toxic-free lifestyle doesn’t have to be one that only a few can enjoy. There are many ways to protect our families from toxic chemicals without breaking the bank.

Creativity Without Chemicals

Creating art together is a lovely way to spend time with children. And since art materials are everywhere in our homes and schools, we tend to think of them as safe. Yet many contain dangerous chemicals like solvents, heavy metals, formaldehyde preservatives, and phthalates.

Creativity Without Chemicals

Creating art together is a lovely way to spend time with children. And since art materials are everywhere in our homes and schools, we tend to think of them as safe. Yet many contain dangerous chemicals like solvents, heavy metals, formaldehyde preservatives and phthalates.

Avoiding Asbestos

Toxic chemicals can be found everywhere we look, especially in the home. Even if you’ve diligently worked to remove toxic products from your family’s life, remodeling your home can release all sorts of dangerous substances, particularly if it’s an older home. We’ve covered the potential dangers of lead paint here (link to GUG) but asbestos is also a cause for concern.