ToxicsWAtch Blog
Keeping a watchful eye on toxic chemicals and healthy solutions
Welcome to the ToxicsWAtch Blog! Here you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about the latest science on toxic chemicals, tips for finding safer products, and what you can do to help win policies to protect health and environment from harmful chemicals.
Growing Up Green Sept 2010 - Getting Ahead of Lice
Uh oh, it's actually not dandruff. Many a parent knows that awful realization that somehow, her child's hair has become infested with head lice. But contrary to popular belief, there's no need to panic and rush to the store for a bottle of Super Strong Lice Killer! Your best bet is safe, simple, and effective tools like a steel comb.
Effective federal chemical policy reform? Partner with the states!
I was pleased to see yet another display of bipartisan state leadership aimed at preventing disease, disability and environmental damage from toxic chemicals. Today, the leading coalition of state agency environmental directors, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), announced adoption of a resolution calling for strong federal legislation to fix our broken chemical safety system. In exercising state leadership, they proved the case for a new federal partnership with the states to ensure chemical safety.
From the Field: Toy Testing and Tips on Toxic-Free Living in Spokane
Last Saturday I had the pleasure to meet a great group of parents and activists interested in creating a safer, less-toxic world for their kids and the next generation. I was there armed with our trusty XRF analyzer to test toys and other products for harmful chemicals like lead.
A Tale of Two Cities
Meet Richmond, California. In this community on San Francisco Bay, minorities make up more than 80% of the population. Besides crime and the other usual concerns of city life, the city’s residents have other worries: Richmond is also home to an oil refinery and other heavy industry. Not too far away is Bolinas, California, a coastal community known for its beauty, clean beaches, and population of organic farmers, ranchers, and artists. A reasonable expectation of someone living in Bolinas rather than Richmond would be a relatively toxic-free life. But a new study shows it’s not that simple.
Meet with your candidate; help influence the debate on toxic chemicals
Summer is just about over, the kids are back to school, and we're busy preparing for the 2011 state legislative session. But before we fire up the phone banks, collect postcards, and draft legislation, we need YOU to make sure protecting kids' health from harmful chemicals will be a top priority in the 2011 State Legislature.
Climb against coal
Outraged by the impacts of coal’s toxicity on the health of their children and the safety of breast milk, four moms went on a bold mission to send a loud and clear signal to Governor Gregoire.
Ask your Members of Congress to become co-sponsors of the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act
Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Henry Waxman (D-CA) have unveiled the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act HR 5820, the strongest bill ever introduced to protect our families from toxic chemicals. However, introduction of the bill is only the first step in ensuring our laws are updated to protect children and families from harmful chemicals. Now we need to show there is broad support for the bill in Congress.
Stain-resistant osprey and non-stick fish
Although ospreys don’t wear stain-resistant clothing or live in homes with stain-resistant carpeting, a new study has found high levels of stain-resistant chemicals in osprey eggs along the lower Columbia River. Researchers also found the chemicals in fish, rivers, and lakes throughout Washington state, providing more evidence that these toxic chemicals used to make products in our homes are ending up in the environment.
Growing Up Green Aug. 2010—Fuel for School with Healthy Lunches!
180 school days means 180 lunches to plan and pack! Thankfully there are great options out there for fun, safe, and stylish lunch containers that will inspire you to get packing.
You acted, Congress answered.
You've been hearing us talk about Safe Chemicals legislation pending in Congress -- the Safe Chemicals Act in the Senate and the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act in the House -- two bills which will overhaul the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the decades-old federal law that oversees chemical regulation. It is hopelessly out of date, and we are working hard to reform it. These bill proposals are our chance to pass meaningful toxics reform in the US that will protect our families from toxic chemicals that are currently found throughout our homes.
Thank Rep. Inslee for Strengthening the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act
Thanks to your encouragement, Representative Jay Inslee strengthened the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act (H.R. 5820) -- the bill to update our decades old chemical safety law. It now includes key health protections that will protect people, especially children, from the worst of the worst chemicals like toxic flame retardants, lead, and cadmium.
Reading, writing, and toxic chemicals
Dry erase markers are easy to use in school, but they can also expose kids and teachers to unhealthy chemicals. Here's how two Seattle moms found safer alternatives to the stinky markers and convinced their school to use them.
One step closer to safer chemicals
The country took one step closer to getting the worst toxic chemicals off store shelves and out of our bodies yesterday thanks to the introduction of The Toxic Chemical Safety Act in Congress.
Growing Up Green: Pick a Peck of Organic Fun
Packing up the kids for a day at the farm is a recipe for summer fun and long lasting memories. Imagine the sweet, juicy taste of a just-plucked blueberry and a trunk full of berries to bring home! Picking your own means you enjoy fresh food at the peak of flavor and nutritional quality, and you and your family can enjoy the full farm experience.
New video uncovers the toxic chemicals in your cosmetics
The Story of Stuff Project has partnered with our friends at The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics to create a great video about what's in your personal care products. Watch it!
Four reasons you should care about a bunch of numbers
Governor Gregoire is preparing to put together her 2011-12 budget. But before she does, she’s about to kick off a series of listening sessions starting tonight in Tacoma and she wants to know what Washingtonians value about their state. Sound boring? It's not. Here's the scoop on why you really should pay attention to this bunch of numbers.
State victories add up to something better for all of us
As rates of diseases linked to chemical exposure continue to rise, states have been leading the way when it comes to protecting people and their environment from harmful chemicals. Could all of these state victories add up to a stronger national chemical law?
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Footage of Chemical Industry
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked footage of chemical industry strategy meeting. You've got to see it to believe it!
The Secret To Diet Success: Less Chemicals?
It used to be that feeding your kids the right foods and making sure they get plenty of exercise were the keys to making sure they don't join the 17% of American kids who are now obese. But now research suggests that hidden toxics in everyday items like toys and shower curtains could be contributing to the obesity epidemic.
Toxic-free tip: Recipes for safe household cleaning
If you looked out the window to admire your spring garden and you couldn't see beyond dirty glass panes, check out these recipes for safe household cleaning.
