Fight back against chemical industry deception!

Last week, the Chicago Tribune set the (presumably flame retardant) collective pants of the chemical industry on fire by exposing their deceptive tactics to the public.

At issue? The millions of dollars invested by the chemical industry into passing legislation that would essentially require the use of harmful chemicals in furniture, electronics, foam baby products and more (they also actively worked against bills to ban toxic flame retardants). We’re concerned about flame retardants because they are often linked with harmful health effects like cancer, neurotoxicity, reduced fertility and thyroid hormone disruption.

And as if that weren’t enough, the series went on to highlight how Big Tobacco actively worked with the chemical industry to promote the use of harmful flame retardants in furniture, all so they wouldn’t have to produce a self-extinguishing cigarette (the cause of many-a-house fire in the 1980s).

How did they do it? They established an industry front group to advocate their cause, misrepresented the science on flame retardants, and paid a burn doctor to testify about infant burn victims, whose lives might have been saved by the use of chemical flame retardants (his story has been thoroughly discredited).

Clearly, American families are up against corporate giants when it comes to protecting out health from toxic chemicals. We need to act now to do something about it! Consumer education isn’t enough. We need to demand that our products be safe and tested before they hit store shelves.

Today, hundreds of moms, cancer survivors and advocates are in DC to demand passage of the Safe Chemicals Act, which would make corporations responsible for the safety of the chemicals they create and use in their products. It’s about time!

Send a message to our Minnesota Senators Klobuchar (Facebook and Twitter: @amyklobuchar) and Franken (Facebook and Twitter: @AlFranken) to thank them for their support of this legislation and urge them to continue to be leaders in protecting our health!

1. Sample Facebook message: @Amy Klobuchar, thank you for co-authoring the Safe Chemicals Act! We need to protect Minnesota families by making sure chemicals are safe and tested before they end up in our products. I hope you’ll continue to be a leader in protecting our health!
2. Sample Twitter message: @AlFranken thx for your support of the #SafeChemicalsAct! 120k+ signatures delivered 2 the senate in support of the bill #StrollerBrigade

Until Congress steps up and passes the Safe Chemicals Act, here’s a tip to help you reduce your exposure to flame retardants:

Tip: Avoid furniture that has a label stating it meets CA flame retardant TB 117, an outdated standard that requires excessive amounts of flame retardants be added to furniture foam. You can also reduce exposure to flame retardants that end up in household dust by mopping floors frequently and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

 Photo from John Niedermeyer on flickr.

Liar, liar, pants on fire?

A new watchdog series at the Chicago Tribune looks in depth at the use of toxic flame retardants in furniture and other foam products. What did they find? A history of deception, questionable testimony and industry front groups that have invested millions in deceiving the general public about the need for these harmful chemicals. It turns out that these chemicals don't effectively prevent fires, but likely do make smoke from fires more toxic.

This video from the Chicago Tribune gives a great overview of their work.

The Chicago Tribune will continue to publish more information on this topic throughout the week, which you can find here.

In Minnesota, there are two flame retardants on the Priority Chemics list. You can use this factsheet to find tips on how to avoid them in children's products. 

But ultimately these harmful chemicals are ending up in consumer products because the current law on the books, the Toxic Substances Control Act, is broken and outdated--instead of protecting our health, it  allows thousands of chemicals to be used in products without being tested for safety. We deserve better. Will you take action today by signing the petition to support the Safe Chemicals Act? 

New Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Gardening Products

By Kim LaBo, Healthy Legacy Organizer at Clean Water Action Minnesota.

Chemicals in Hoses Leach into Water, Study Finds

High amounts of lead, phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA ) were found in the water of a new hose after sitting outside in the sun for just a few days, according to a report co-released today by the Minnesota based Healthy Legacy Coalition and Healthy Stuff. Results are available online today at www.HealthyStuff.org.

Nearly 200 hoses, gloves, kneeling pads and tools were tested for lead, cadmium, bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC); phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA).  Such chemicals have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births and early puberty in laboratory animals, among other serious health problems. 

“During the summer, many children drink from garden hoses, run through sprinklers and wade in kiddie pools that contain water contaminated with toxic chemicals,” stated Deanna White, Clean Water Action state director and Healthy Legacy Coalition co-director. “Children’s health is being put at risk yet again because current laws do not ensure products are safe.” 

Testing Highlights

1. HealthyStuff.org screened 179 common garden products, including garden hoses (90); garden gloves (53); kneeling pads (13) and garden tools (23). Two-thirds (70.4%) of these products had chemical levels of “high concern.”
2. 30% of all products contained over 100 ppm lead in one or more component.  100 ppm is the Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard (CPSC) for lead in children’ products.
3. 100% of the garden hoses sampled for phthalates contained four phthalate plasticizers which are currently banned in children’s products.
4. Two water hoses contained the hazardous flame retardant 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (TBPH).

Harmful Chemicals End Up in Water

1. Water sampled from one hose contained 0.280 mg/l (ppm) lead.  This is 18-times higher than the federal drinking water standard of 0.015 mg/l. 
2. BPA levels of 2.3 ppm were found in the hose water.  This level is 20-times higher than the 0.100 ppm safe drinking water level used by NSF to verify that consumers are not being exposed to levels of a chemical that exceed regulated levels. 
3. The phthalate DEHP was found at 0.025 ppm in the hose water. This level is 4-times higher than federal drinking water standards.  EPA and FDA regulate DEHP in water at 0.006 mg/l (ppm).

What You Can Do

1. Read the labels: Avoid hoses with a California Prop 65 warning that says “this product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm.”  Buy hoses that are “drinking water safe” and “lead-free”.
2. Let it run: Always let your hose run for a few seconds before using, since the water that’s been sitting in the hose will have the highest levels of chemicals.
3. Avoid the sun: Store your hose in the shade. The heat from the sun can increase the leaching of chemicals from the PVC into the water.
4. Don't drink water from a hose: Unless you know for sure that your hose is drinking water safe, don’t drink from it.  Even low levels of lead may cause health problems.
5. Buy a PVC-free hose: Polyurethane or natural rubber hoses are better choices.  Visit www.HealthyStuff.org for sample products.
6. Support passage of the Safe Chemicals Act: Harmful chemicals are ending up in consumer products because the Toxic Substances Control Act, passed into law over 35 years ago, is outdated and ineffective.

“Even if you are an organic gardener, doing everything you can to avoid pesticides and fertilizers, you still may be introducing hazardous substances into your soil by using these products,” said Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center.

Formaldehyde in children's products bill moves forward in MN State House

By Dan Endreson, Clean Water Action Minnesota

The Minnesota House of Representatives recently voted to accept language to prohibit formaldehyde in children's products onto a larger Environment Omnibus bill.

During the 2012 Legislative Session, the Health Legacy coalition has been working on a policy to protect our kids from toxic chemicals and prohibit the use of formaldehyde in children’s products. Studies have found formaldehyde in children’s products such as crib sheets, clothing and personal care products. Short-term exposure to formaldehyde causes eye and respiratory irritation, and long-term exposure can cause cancer.

The State House of Representatives made the right decision in voting to accept the language to prohibit formaldehyde in children’s products onto the House Environment Omnibus bill on April 4. The vote was bipartisan, as 74 Democrats and Republicans joined together to ensure children’s products that are sold in Minnesota are free of formaldehyde. Will the Minnesota Senate join their colleagues in supporting this important policy as the Omnibus bill moves forward this week?

Photo by: TBoard on flickr.

In bed with Formaldehyde? A known carcinogen in some textiles

Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted in favor of a ban on formaldehyde in children’s products by adding it to the Environment Omnibus bill. And we say: it’s about time! Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is used in everyday products from composite wood furniture to baby shampoo to clothing.

And (big surprise) it’s usually not on the label, especially in the case of textiles. (In personal care products, you can look for “quaternium-15” which is the preservative that can release formaldehyde over time). So how can we avoid exposure to this harmful chemical? Unfortunately, there’s no way to shop ourselves out of this problem, because the use of toxics in everyday products is widespread. What we really need is comprehensive reform that will ensure the products we buy are safe before they hit store shelves.

In the meantime, though, here’s a tip on how to reduce exposure to formaldehyde in textiles.

Tip: Make sure to wash new clothes and linens before wearing or using to reduce formaldehyde levels.

Formaldehyde is sometimes added to textiles like crib sheets. Wrinkle-free clothing is also often treated with formaldehyde. Washing them before you use them (and washing them frequently thereafter) can help to reduce levels of the chemical.

Does the prospect of formaldehyde in crib sheets make you as frustrated as it makes us? Sign the petition to congress demanding that they protect our families from toxic chemicals.

You can also download our Quick Tips to Avoid Toxins factsheet that has more tips for avoiding the nine Minnesota Priority Chemicals.

Everyday Products contain chemicals linked to hormone disruption and asthma

 By Kathleen Schuler, MPH, Co-Director Healthy Legacy and Senior Policy Analyst at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

Yet another study has found dangerous chemicals in products we and our children use every day. A peer-reviewed study, published last week in Environmental Health Perspectives, detailed testing by the Silent Spring Institute of 213 consumer products, including cleaning products, cosmetics, sunscreens, air fresheners, shower curtains and more, to detect the presence of harmful chemicals. 

 Previous studies have found a variety of harmful chemicals in household dust. The current study helps to identify some of the potential sources of the chemicals showing up there. Unfortunately, incomplete labeling makes this research more difficult. The study found that many of the chemicals detected were not on the product label. 

Researchers found 55 compounds, including the following and many more:

1. Phthalates in perfumes, car air fresheners, vinyl pillow protectors and shower curtains, dryer sheets, car wax and interior cleaners, tub and tile cleaner, bar soap, shaving cream and lipstick- all unlabeled!
2. Bisphenol A in vinyl pillow protectors and shower curtains, dish and laundry detergent, tub and tile cleaner, soaps, lotions, shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen - all unlabeled!
3. Synthetic fragrances in facial cleansers, floor cleaner, sunscreen, perfume, dryer sheets, home and car air fresheners- in 12 of 34 products unlabeled!

Even if consumers read the label, they can’t avoid these “hidden” chemicals.  Consumers need better labeling so they can make safer product choices. But we also need to take steps to remove these harmful chemicals from every day consumer products.

Take action!

This study found unlabeled phthalates and bisphenol A in a variety of products. Both of these chemicals are on the Minnesota Priority Chemicals list, which identifies harmful chemicals that children are most likely to be exposed to. That’s why we need to pass HF2543/SF1766, which requires manufacturers to report if they have a product containing a “priority chemical.” This information will help us inform parents about which products to avoid.

Write to your state senator and representative today, asking them to support the Priority Chemical Reporting Bill!

 

Some Minnesota jewelry contains harmful chemicals like lead

Healthy Legacy, a statewide public health coalition representing over one million Minnesotans, applauds today’s release of new research on toxic chemicals in low-cost children’s and adult jewelry at HealthyStuff.org by the Ecology Center. Researchers tested for chemicals – including lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, bromine and chlorine (PVC) – which have been linked in animal and some human studies to acute allergies and to long-term health impacts such as birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Samples were collected from Minnesota and five other states.

 

Test results

Over half (57 percent) of the products tested had a “high” level of concern due to the presence of one or more hazardous chemicals detected at high levels. Four products contained over ten percent cadmium, a known carcinogen. Fifty percent contained lead, with over half of these containing more than 300 parts per million (ppm) of lead in one or more components, exceeding the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) limit of lead in children’s products. Two notable examples include a pendant necklace and silver tiara which contained 17,212 and 10,463 ppm of lead respectively, both purchased from stores in the twin cities metro area.

“There is no excuse for jewelry, especially children’s jewelry, to be made with some of the most well studied and dangerous substances on the planet,” said Jeff Gearhart, Research Director at the Ecology Center and founder of HealthyStuff.org. “We urge manufacturers to start replacing these chemicals with non-toxic substances immediately.”

Shouldn't there be a law?

Lead is also banned in children’s jewelry products that are meant for those aged six and under in Minnesota. While not every piece of jewelry tested was geared towards this age group, the potential for children of any age to get hold of these items is high.

“Even though Minnesota has some laws on the books that address toxic heavy metals in children’s products, we continue to find harmful chemicals like lead in items used by kids,” said Kathleen Schuler, Senior Policy Analyst at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and co-director of Healthy Legacy. “That’s why we’re supporting SF 1766, a bill in Minnesota that would require children’s product manufacturers to report the use of nine harmful chemicals, including lead and cadmium, to the state.”

Ninety-nine pieces of jewelry were tested from 14 different retailers, including: Ming 99 City, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Big Lots, Claire's, Glitter, Forever 21, Walmart, H&M, Meijers, Kohl's, Justice, Icing and Hot Topic. Samples were collected from 6 different states, including Minnesota, Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and Vermont.

Highlights of Study Results:

1. OVERALL – 59 percent (58) of products tested were rated as having HIGH level of concern due the presence of one or more hazardous chemical detected at high levels.
2. LEAD – 27 of 99 (27 percent), including two samples from Minnesota, of jewelry contained greater than 300 ppm lead in one or more components. 300 ppm is the CPSC limit of lead in children’s products.
3. CADMIUM – 10 of 99 (10 percent) of jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm cadmium in one or more components.
4. CHROMIUM – 92 of 95 (93 percent) of jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm chromium.
5. NICKEL – 30 of 95 (30 percent) of jewelry contained greater than 100 ppm nickel.
6. BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS – 7 of 95 (7 percent) of jewelry contained brominated flame retardants (greater than 1,000 ppm bromine).
7. CHLORINE – 11 of 95 (12 percent) of jewelry contained PVC (greater than 25,000 ppm chlorine).

 “Toxic jewelry is a symptom of the complete failure of our federal chemical regulatory system,” said Gearhart. “Our children will never be safe until we reform our chemical laws to ensure products are safe before they arrive on store shelves.”

Since 2007 researchers at the Ecology Center have performed over 20,000 tests on 7,000 consumer products, including pet products, vehicles, women's handbags, jewelry, back-to-school products, children's toys, building products and children's car seats. 

Valentine's Day at the capitol: A tale of two moms

This past Valentine's Day, Healthy Legacy took to the state capitol with a group of parents, kids and concerned citizens to talk to legislators about supporting policies that will protect the health of Minnesota children from toxic chemicals.

Two of our participants chronicled their day at the capitol to share it with all of you. Take a look!

Meredith: mom-to-be and Advocate at The Arc Greater Twin Cities

 

Ingredients for a perfect Valentine’s Day:  Flowers, chocolate…and a visit to the Minnesota State Capitol?! That’s right, folks, my V-Day included a trip to our Capitol building because I love Minnesota’s kids and want our fine state to implement policies to keep icky toxins out of their bodies. Read more from Meredith

 

Martha: mom and Resource Development Director for LDA Minnesota

Trying to explain to my 4-year-old what we were doing at the State Capitol on Valentine’s Day was a “parenting challenge.”  ...explaining why there are harmful chemicals in the stuff we buy at stores blew his mind.  “What?! How could that be?” was what his response would have been if he had found the words to match his incredulous expression. Read more from Martha

 

The perfect Valentine's Day

By Meredith Salmi-Bydalek, The Arc Greater Twin Cities

Ingredients for a perfect Valentine’s Day:  Flowers, chocolate…and a visit to the Minnesota State Capitol?! That’s right, folks, my V-Day included a trip to our Capitol building because I love Minnesota’s kids and want our fine state to implement policies to keep icky toxins out of their bodies.

At this year’s Healthy Legacy Day at the Capitol, concerned parents and citizens delivered heart-shaped Valentines to the state’s lawmakers asking them to support two pieces of legislation:  One, removing formaldehyde from children’s products in Minnesota and two, requiring companies to report if their products include one of the Minnesota Department of Health’s nine priority chemicals.

As in years past, I attended as an advocate with The Arc Greater Twin Cities, a local advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc Greater Twin Cities is a proud member of Healthy Legacy because we believe products should not contain chemicals that are proven developmental toxins. With disabilities like autism on the rise, it’s essential we take a hard look at all the chemicals we’re exposed to in everyday products.

However, this year I got to wear another proud hat as well:  Expectant mom. Having a baby girl due in May has made it even clearer to me the need for chemical reform in our state and country. Despite my knowledge of what chemicals go into children’s products, I’ve found that many just cannot be avoided and it makes putting a nursery together a scary thing. What’s even more frightening, though, is that alternatives to toxic chemicals do exist, but manufacturers have not been pressed to use those safer alternatives. That’s where all of us come in. We must demand that our elected officials stick up for Minnesota’s kids and show them some love by passing laws that remove toxins from the products all of our kids use every day.

You can see more from our day at the capitol in this cute video!

Valentines, the state capitol and a "parenting challenge"

By Martha Moriarty, LDA Minnesota

Trying to explain to my 4-year-old what we were doing at the State Capitol on Valentine’s Day was a “parenting challenge.”  Firstly, trying to describe who and what state lawmakers are and why we lobby them probably flew right over his little head (he’s a smart kid, but do most adults get these concepts?).  And secondly, explaining why there are harmful chemicals in the stuff we buy at stores blew his mind.  “What?! How could that be?” was what his response would have been if he had found the words to match his incredulous expression.

As we walked into the Capitol building and appreciated the beauty of its vastness and decorative halls, my little guy acted just as any 4-year old would, he liked to hear his echo in the halls and run as fast as he could through the wide, open spaces.  I, on the other hand, worried about the meeting with my legislator and making sure I was prepared to speak on the issues.

As a staff person at LDA Minnesota, I am concerned about the effects of toxins on all of our citizens, particularly the chemicals that affect brain development and can lead to learning disabilities and learning challenges.  But closer to home, as a parent I worry about my child and his health.  Will the formaldehyde in the shampoo I used on his head when he was a baby affect his health later in life?  Am I purchasing a product that has toxins I am unaware of, that could affect his brain development?  As any parent will tell you, I just want my child to grow up to be healthy and happy. 

He certainly was happy during our Healthy Legacy Day at the Capitol.  He sang his “planets” song for the media camera, wished our legislator “Happy Valentine’s Day,” and proudly passed out his Valentine’s to our lawmakers.  He calmed my nerves when it was time to talk to our Representative by squeezing my hand extra tight upon our meeting.  We had a fun day of lobbying and he asked me as we were leaving if we could come back and play again soon.

Catch a glimpse of Martha and her son in this cute video from our day at the capitol: