Center for Environmental Health

Current Actions

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Urge Your Senator: Support Our Health By Co-Sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act!

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2013 has been introduced into the U.S. Senate. For decades studies have increasingly shown the links between chemicals and our health. Many types of cancers are on the rise, including childhood leukemia, skin cancer, cancers of the thyroid, kidney and brain, and other illnesses that are often connected to harmful chemicals. But despite this science, Congress has failed to keep up with chemical rules -- in fact, our nations' chemical policies have not been updated in more than thirty years.

This is something we can do something about, and should. The Safe Chemicals Act creates protections for our children and families against harmful chemicals in everyday products. From lead in toys to BPA in food cans to flame retardants in furniture, we should no longer be exposed to harmful chemicals, without our knowledge or consent. The Act would:

• Grant EPA authority to regulate the worst chemical health threats;

• Provide information for our right to know about harmful chemicals in products; and

• Update the science used to assess harmful chemicals.

Please take action to urge your Senator to support our health by co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act today!
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Protect Families from BPA and Other Harmful Chemicals!

Victory! The California EPA has ruled that under California’s Prop 65 law, consumers must be warned when a product contains the toxic chemical BPA.

But now another fight is threatening this victory: a bill (AB 227) that would cripple the state's tough consumer protection law, Prop 65, is being heard tomorrow.

Prop 65 requires companies to warn us when products can cause cancer or serious reproductive health problems. In just the past few years, CEH has used this health protective law to pressure hundreds of corporations to eliminate lead and cadmium threats from dozens of children’s products, everything from baby bibs to candy to bounce houses and many more.

In fact, just today CEH announced that our work under Prop 65 has eliminated flame retardant chemical risks from nap mats used in daycares nationwide!

None of this work would be possible if AB 227 is adopted. This unnecessary law would allow companies to expose us to dangerous chemicals without facing so much as a fine! Proponents say small businesses need this protection, but the law would allow corporations like Walmart and Disney to evade the law and expose children to harmful products, without any consequences when they’re caught.

Please take action to protect our right-to-know: Urge your Assemblymember to vote NO on AB 227!
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New York: Pass the Fracking Moratorium!

Victory! Last week, the New York Assembly approved a two-year hydrofracking moratorium. They believe, like us, that the health effects of hydrofracking should be studied before New York Governor Andrew Cuomo can approve moving forward with fracking in the state.

A Global Community Monitor report in New Mexico and Colorado took nine air samples near fracking wells and found 22 toxic chemicals at elevated levels, including four known carcinogens and chemicals known to damage the nervous and respiratory systems. Clearly, it's imperative for the health of New York families that this fracking moratorium passes.

Now is your chance to support this groundbreaking legislation. Parents and families everywhere must voice their support to protect their health and the health of future generations.

Please tell your Senator: Pass the Fracking Moratorium!
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Keep up the Support for an EPA Study on the Dangers of Flame Retardants

Great news: CEH’s report on toxic flame retardant chemicals in nap mats has spurred Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) and 22 other Senators to call for an EPA study into flame retardant chemical dangers.

We purchased 24 nap mats in seven states and commissioned independent testing of them. 22 out of the 24 mats contained flame-retardant chemicals, including a chemical known to cause cancer and others linked to genetic damage, hormone-disruption, obesity and other serious health problems. One chemical, chlorinated Tris, was removed from children’s pajamas more than thirty years ago, but we found several nap mats still made with this cancer-causing substance.

Please show your support of the Senators' call for an EPA study by asking your representatives on the Environment and Public Works committee to be a champion for safer chemical policy.
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Keep the Support Going for an End to Harmful Flame Retardants

Please support California's proposed new flammability standard, which will result in safer products without the use of harmful flame retardant chemicals nationwide!

Fill out the form below to send your letter of support to Governor Jerry Brown and Bureau Chief Tonya Blood today!

*Please choose "Consumer Affairs" when prompted to choose an issue area on the next page.
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New Yorkers: Protect Your Family's Health- Stop the Rush to Frack

There are just 3 days to save New Yorkers from a dangerous experiment.

The Cuomo Administration has issued proposed rules that would allow fracking in New York, even though their promised environmental and health reviews have not been completed. What is wrong with this process and the proposed fracking regulations? EVERYTHING!

Fracking may cause water contamination, air pollution, and other toxic health problems that could threaten our children and families. Yet Governor Cuomo’s Department of Environmental Conservation gave New Yorkers just 30 days to submit comments on its flawed fracking rules.

These proposed rules would allow fracking companies to keep their chemicals secret, denying us the right to know what toxics could be contaminating our air and water. The rules are inadequate to prevent possible releases of dangerous radiation, to protect drinking water, and don’t require proper disposal of contaminated waste water. They would dangerously allow fracking nearby homes and “places of assembly,” and since they do not specify rules for keeping fracking away from schools, playgrounds, or other areas where children spend time, fracking wells may be allowed even closer to these place where our children learn and play!

PLEASE ACT NOW! The form below includes specific concerns about the rules; in addition, at the bottom of the page (in the "optional" comment box provided) please add your personal comments in opposition to fracking – individualized comments will have the most impact. For example (use as many of these and add more of your own comments as you wish):

• I am concerned for my children, who deserve safe water and fresh air. Fracking threatens their future.
• The process for developing these proposed rules has been rushed, and there has been inadequate time for thorough public input.
• My family should not be guinea pigs in the fracking industry’s experiment. Please stop the rush to frack New York.
• Our state needs safer energy alternatives, not more oil and gas industry experiments on our health and the environment.

Together, we will stop the rush to frack New York! Deadline for comments is Thursday 1/10 at 3pm EST.
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Tell Walmart: Cancer Causing Chemicals Are Not OK in ANY State

In a victory for children and families, yesterday Walmart stated it would stop sales of baby products tainted with a cancer-causing flame retardant chemical. But the retail giant says it intends to pull the products only from California stores and online sales in that state.

Parents nationwide have the right to know when products for children contain a cancer-causing chemical. But Walmart’s reaction leaves parents in 49 states wondering, “What’s up with Walmart?”

In 2007, after CEH found high levels of lead in vinyl baby bibs sold at Walmart, the company pulled the products nationwide. At the time, there was no federal rule on vinyl products for children, but Walmart did the right thing by protecting all American kids. Now Walmart needs to take a leadership role by doing the right thing again.

Take action! Ask Walmart CEO Michael Duke why it’s ok to continue sales of cancer-causing products for babies in 49 states!
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Tell Target to End Sales of Toxic Children's Products

Recent news reports have highlighted flame retardant chemicals and the health threat they pose to children and families. Much of the news has focused on older couches and other furniture. But testing by CEH has found that a cancer-causing flame retardant chemical, a chemical that was banned in kids' pajamas more than 30 years ago, is still being used today in many products for infants and young children.

The cancer-causing flame retardant chlorinated Tris has also been linked to hormone disruption, developmental toxicity and other health problems. Our testing found significant levels of Tris, among the highest of all products tested, in a child's nap mat purchased online from Target. These chemicals escape from the product and find their way into our children’s bodies through inhalation and the frequent hand-to-mouth activities our children do.

There is no reason for the ongoing use of this cancer-causing flame retardant in children's products like nap mats that are used every day by children at day care centers across the country.

Tell Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel to take steps to eliminate Tris and all harmful chemical flame retardants from nap mats sold by Target. Our children’s health should be the number one priority.
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Let Your Congressional Candidates Know You Care About Addressing Toxic Chemicals!

Congress needs to protect American families from toxic chemicals. Send a message to your federal candidates today and let them know that you care deeply about increased oversight on toxic chemicals.

We want all candidates for Congress to know that you reject Big Chemical's agenda and support the Safe Chemicals Act!

Having your Senator announce their support for the Safe Chemicals Agenda would be huge.

Please take action today; this is when it really counts!
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Safer Products Now!

As you may already know, chemicals from everyday products are polluting our bodies. For the first time ever, California has a chance to take the lead in creating a Safe Consumer Products program, which would require the manufacturers that make our products to look for safer alternatives to the toxic chemicals they currently use. This would ensure that no unsafe products are sold on store shelves, protecting families and consumers across the country.

It's a common sense approach supported by health professionals, consumer groups, labor and other groups representing millions of Californians.

But the chemical industry is still lobbying furiously against implementation of the rules, which were passed by the legislature in 2008. Governor Brown must stand up to industry pressure and support strong rules to protect our health!

Take Action: Tell Governor Brown that California should be a leader in consumer protection and business innovation for safer products.

Please take action today; this is when it really counts!
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Let Your Congressional Candidates Know You Care About Addressing Toxic Chemicals!

Congress needs to protect American families from toxic chemicals. Send a message to your federal candidates today and let them know that you care deeply about increased oversight on toxic chemicals.

We want all candidates for Congress to know that you reject Big Chemical's agenda and support the Safe Chemicals Act!

Having your Senator announce their support for the Safe Chemicals Agenda would be huge.

Please take action today; this is when it really counts!
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Tell Your Senator: Support the Strongest Version of the Safe Chemicals Act!

Moments like this don’t come along very often, and we need your help. We want to ensure the strongest possible version of the Safe Chemicals Act is voted out of committee. Will you send a message to your Senators letting them you’ll be watching?

Sign this letter today!
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Stop the Use of Toxic Flame Retardants!

Recently, Governor Brown’s Chief of the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) announced that the Bureau will revise California’s out-of-date and ineffective flammability standard (TB 117). TB 117 has offered no fire safety benefit, and instead exposed our nation to millions of pounds of toxic chemicals in our furniture and baby products.

But the fight is not over.

We can be sure that the chemical industry and their phony industry-funded front group, Citizens for Fire Safety, will try every trick in the book and spare no expense to hijack the standard reform process. Citizens for Fire Safety (funded by Albemarle, Chemtura and ICL Limited, the three leading makers of flame retardant chemicals) spent over $23 million in lobbying expenses and political donations to stop five separate bills that would have changed this dangerous and toxic regulation.

Our next step is at the federal level-- please tell the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that they need to enact their draft 2008 furniture flammability standard.

The CPSC’s draft flammability standard would offer greater fire safety as well as prevent exposure to toxic and untested chemicals. We need the CPSC to enact this standard NOW, to protect children and families from unnecessary and harmful flame retardant chemicals.
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End Phony "Organic" Labeling

Consumers who buy organic products expect to get safe, high quality organic ingredients. But one company is taking advantage of the demand for organics – and scamming consumers—with phony labels. The Organix brand of hair, body and other personal care products are sold widely at Walmart, Target, Walgreens and other stores, and have made millions for their parent company, Vogue International.

But Organix is duping consumers: their phony organic products contain few organic ingredients, and violate California law requiring organic products to contain 70% organic ingredients. What’s worse, many Organix products contain risky ingredients that should never be used in organic products.

Take Action: Sign the petition to Vogue International CEO Todd Christopher, calling on him to end this “organic” scam.
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What are pounds of toxic chemicals doing in your couch? Chemicals marketed as "flame retardants" are used in the majority of furniture sold across the country because of an obscure state standard in California that many companies comply with by making ALL of their products with these risky chemicals.

These "flame retardants" are ineffective and only harm our health. Whether you live in California or not, the Governor of California needs to hear from you, so he knows that we want these needless chemicals out of our homes and bodies!

Last year, a California legislative committee heard testimony about a child burn victim who could have been saved if only flame retardant chemicals were used in her crib pillow. After hearing the heart wrenching story, the legislators turned down a bill to reform the state’s flammability standards.

There was just one small detail the legislators didn’t hear. The story was not real.

In fact, the “expert” witness who misled the state representatives was paid by a group made up of three chemical companies that make the majority of the flame retardant chemicals sold. A dynamic report by the Chicago Tribune found that these companies use deception, distorted science, and tobacco-industry tactics to maintain sales of their harmful products – even after studies have shown that their flame retardants are ineffective and can harm our children and families’ health. But hundreds of every day products, including furniture and products for children and infants, still use harmful flame retardants, largely due to California’s outdated flammability standard.

The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has proposed an alternative to California’s outdated flammability standard that avoids the need for toxic chemical flame retardants. Governor Jerry Brown can step in and tell the state agency in charge of the standard to adopt the CPSC standard immediately.

Tell Jerry Brown to protect our children and families! Urge the Governor to order an immediate change in the state’s flammability standards.

(After entering your zip code, please choose "Consumer Affairs Issues/Concerns" on the following page in the drop down menu).
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The mounting evidence can't be denied: toxic chemicals we're exposed to everyday can significantly increase the risk of developing a myriad of health problems including infertility, learning and developmental disabilities, and even cancer. Congress has an obligation to pass a law that will protect our families from harmful chemicals.

We're fighting to protect America's health and we need your help now more than ever.

We’re working with people like you in states across the country to show support for the Safe Chemicals Act. Today we’re gathering petition signatures from thousands of Americans to send a message that we’re tired of being exposed to toxic chemicals.

After gathering your signatures, our allies at Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families will hand deliver them to Congress, urging them to co-sponsor and pass the Safe Chemicals Act. We have partnered with many of our coalition members and have a goal of collecting more than 100,000 signatures.

Will you help us reach this big goal by signing today?

We need show Congress that thousands of Americans want common sense limits on toxic chemicals.
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Surveys over the past decade have consistently shown that Americans don’t want to eat genetically engineered (GE or GMO) food. But biotech giant Monsanto continues to impose its unlabeled GMO’s onto our dinner plates.

The latest is Monsanto’s new GMO sweet corn, intended for the frozen and/or canned corn market. This experimental corn will not be labeled, so consumers cannot know when they may be eating a GMO food that contains a toxic pesticide in every bite.

As the nation’s largest retailer and a major provider of frozen and canned corn, Walmart has the responsibility to take action to protect consumers from this risky new corn. More than 300,000 Americans have already signed a petition urging Walmart to make a commitment to reject the new Monsanto GMO variety by April 1. Petitions will be delivered to Walmart this week, so take action today to have your voice heard!

Act Now: Add your voice to the call for safe food! Tell Walmart to reject Monsanto’s GMO corn!
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Tell FDA: Label GMO Food!

Labels are required on genetically modified (GMO) foods in Europe, Japan, China, and dozens of other countries around the world. While Americans are exposed to these risky, untested foods in thousands of products on our store shelves, the U.S. remains one of the only countries in the world that does not require GMO labeling.

Doctors and scientists warn that GMO foods may cause unexpected allergies, nutritional deficiencies, harmful toxic effects, and harm the environment. These experimental foods contain genetic material from viruses, bacteria, and other non-food sources that have never before been part of the human diet. Moreover, contamination from GMOs is threatening our right to safe, organic and natural foods that do not contain untested, engineered genes.

CEH is a co-signer on a legal petition calling on the FDA to require labels on GMO food. There are just a few more days to add your name to this call and help us reach our goal of 1 million signatures submitted to FDA!

Already more than 900,000 Americans have signed in support of GMO food labels - please join us in calling for safer food choices TODAY!
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Most Americans have heard about genetically modified (GMO) foods, but many are not aware that ingredients from these foods are common in thousands of products on supermarket shelves. Why don't Americans know about this vast food experiment occurring today on our dinner plates? Because unlike consumers in Europe, Japan, China and dozens of other countries, Americans do not have labels to tell us when foods contain these risky, untested genetically altered ingredients.

Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) and Representative Peter DeFazio (OR) have circulated a letter to their colleagues in Congress that calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require labels on GMO food. They need Senators and Congress-people to sign-on in support of the letter in the next few days, so they can present it to the FDA with strong, bi-partisan support.

Please email your U.S. Senators and Representative TODAY and urge them to join the Boxer-DeFazio letter in support of GMO food labeling!
Californians: Tell the Governor Brown and His New Pesticide Chief to "Just Say No" to Cancer-Causing Pesticide

Our community of supporters has been helping us fight against methyl iodide in the last few years. Let's finish this! Please join us in calling for immediate action to get methyl iodide out of California and out of our strawberry fields. Let's make this a priority for Governor Brown and Director Leahy.

Why do we care about methyl iodide? Because it's a cancer-causing pesticide that could be used near homes and schools across the state. California agencies tell us that it can also cause miscarriages and can contaminate our groundwater.

We also care about methyl iodide because it's a classic example of how government agencies approve the use of chemicals with logic that defies common sense. Strawberries have been grown for decades in California using a different but chemically related fumigant, methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been phased out worldwide under an international treaty because it (like the notorious CFCs - chlorofluorocarbons) damages the atmosphere's ozone layer. Rather than promote the successful and sustainable pest management practices that organic strawberry farmers have been using for years, the Schwarzenegger administration chose to promote the use of another dangerous chemical.

Governor Brown and new DPR Director Leahy now have a great opportunity to make a better choice. Tell them to move forward!

Reminding us why we need to take action today, here's what John Froines, the lead scientist on the panel that did an independent review of methyl iodide for the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), has said about methyl iodide:

• “It is painful for me personally and professionally to have to report the science was subverted in the DPR approval.”

• Methyl iodide is "one of the most toxic chemicals on earth."

• "Adequate control of human exposure [to methyl iodide] would be difficult if not impossible."

Take action today! Tell Governor Brown and DPR Director Leady to move forward against methyl iodide.

Thanks for all your help.
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Hey Hallmark: Valentine's cards should bring love and joy, not toxic hazards!

This Valentine’s Day, millions of Americans will buy cards for their loved ones, including many electronic cards that play songs and/or light up. What most people don’t realize is that these cards cannot be recycled or even thrown in the trash in California. Instead, they create massive amounts of completely unnecessary toxic e-waste.

Hallmark has been a leader in the greeting card industry for more than a century—shouldn’t they be a leader in the sustainable future too? Tell Hallmark: No More Toxic E-Waste Cards!

We all deserve a Valentine’s Day free of toxic cards that pollute our bodies and our environment.

Take action now to urge Hallmark to eliminate their e-waste generating cards!
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Urge Senator Feinstein to Support the Safe Chemicals Act!

This Thursday, November 10th, is the second National Stroller Brigade Day of Action in support of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. Parents and kids across this country will don superhero capes with the goal of encouraging more Senate support for this important bill.

The west coast version of the August stroller Brigade will be in Fullerton, CA (details here).

Don't live in the Fullerton area? You can STILL PARTICIPATE in bringing about greater Senate support.

CALL or SEND a message (or both!) to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office today, tomorrow, and Thursday and ask her to sign-on as a co-sponsor of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.

• To CALL: Find the number for your local Feinstein office here. Either a friendly staff member will answer the phone, or you’ll be asked to leave a message. Please ask Feinstein to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act.

SAMPLE MESSAGE

"Hi my name is _______ and I am a (insert something like mom, dad, aunt, nurse, doctor etc). I am really concerned about toxic chemicals in consumer products and their impact on my family’s health. I’m calling Senator Feinstein to ask her to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.

I am particulary concerned about the effects of persistent, toxic chemicals on my family's health. As Americans, we need to have confidence that the products we use in our homes and around our families are safe.”

**Phone calls are an incredibly important way to let your Senator know how you feel. It makes a huge difference! To help us track the number of calls made, please click the "I called" button to be counted after you call.

• To SEND: Use our quick and easy web tool below to tell Sen. Feinstein: Please Co-Sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011! (It takes less than 30 seconds!)
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Get Lead and Cadmium out of Halloween Jewelry!

Here's a frightening Halloween fact: For years, the nation's leading Halloween costume supplier has known that it's costume jewelry contains lead and cadmium, but has refused to take responsibility for cleaning up the problem.

This Halloween season, Rubie's Costume Company and its Forum Novelties division are still selling lead and cadmium-tainted jewelry, including a lead-tainted children's item that violates federal safety standards.

Even scarier? While hundreds of other companies have agreed to take steps to eliminate toxic threats from lead and cadmium in jewelry, Rubie's still sells their lead and cadmium-tainted items and refuses to take steps to eliminate the problem. Rubie's is a $50 million a year company that has the resources needed to fix this issue -- yet their products are illegally exposing their customers to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, and other serious health problems.

Families and children should not have to worry about toxic exposures during Halloween and other holidays! Tell Rubie's/Forum President Marc Beige: Clean up your company's act-- get lead and cadmium out of your products!
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Tell Disney: Get the Lead Out of Disneyland!

For nine months, Disney has known about dozens of lead-tainted brass and stained glass items at Disneyland, yet the company has failed to act to protect children!

Independent testing found levels of lead in one item at Disneyland that are 2,600 times the state safety standard. Other highly lead-tainted items include brass attractions that children touch and play on, brass rails at Disneyland restaurants, and brass chains along the long lines at several rides and attractions.

Disney should have taken care of these problems months ago! Send them a message-- get the lead out of Disneyland today!
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Support Lead-Free Children's Toys

Next week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC's) five Commissioners will vote on the last major rule for enforcing the federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement, the law to end lead threats from kids' products. This final step would require independent safety testing of children's products before they come to American store shelves, no matter where in the world they are produced.

The vote takes place October 19th, so we must act fast to urge the Commissioners to vote "yes" on this rule.

This new law would generate safer products that parents can trust are lead-free. It would ensure that testing is truly strong and independent, by creating safeguards so companies cannot influence labs that do testing, and by requiring testing throughout the manufacturing process.

Even better? Since Congress has passed revisions to the CPSIA that offer relief to smaller companies, they will not be overly burdened and can meet the law's requirements with alternatives or exemptions from testing.

Take action before October 19th: Urge CPSC's Commissioners to "Vote Yes" for safer products!
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I Pledge to Support Good, Green Jobs and Truck Drivers at America's Ports!

The current system of inadequate regulation and lax enforcement of environmental and labor laws have made America's ports look more like a Third World country. The EPA estimates 87 million Americans live and work in these port regions, where federal air quality standards are violated due to high diesel soot exposure that puts them at grave risk for asthma and deadly illnesses like cancer, heart and lung disease.

The current system is broken and it's wreaking havoc on the lungs and livelihoods of millions of working families. We need a Clean Truck Program that transforms our nation's ports into world-class generators of good, green jobs that can help fuel our nation's recovery. Sign the pledge to support economic and environmental justice in America's port communities. I stand with truck drivers, residents and advocates who are fighting to:
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Protect California Kids From Harmful BPA!

The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act is only one signature away from becoming a law! This landmark legislation would ban BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, protecting kids from BPA’s harmful health effects including brain and heart disorders, and breast cancer and infertility later in life.

We must show strong support to let Governor Brown know we want this bill signed into law. Californians want their children protected from BPA. Tell Governor Brown to sign the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddler’s Act today!

Use our form below to quickly and easily send a letter to Governor Brown.
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Keep Pesticide-Ridden Corn Off Your Dinner Plate

Surveys over the past decade have consistently shown that Americans don’t want to eat genetically engineered (GE or GMO) food. Despite the overwhelming opposition to this risky new food technology, the biotech giant Monsanto continues to impose its unlabeled GMO’s onto our dinner plates.

The latest: Monsanto’s new GMO corn, intended for the frozen and/or canned corn market. This experimental corn will not be labeled, so consumers cannot know when they may be eating a GMO food that contains a toxic pesticide in every bite.

Major companies that make frozen and/or canned corn can take action to avoid Monsanto’s new crop. We need tell Del Monte, General Mills (Green Giant), Bird’s Eye and other major food makers to reject this new GMO corn.

Take action today! Send food makers a message that we don’t want Monsanto’s food experiments!
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Tell President Obama: Stop Export of Toxic E-Waste

The federal government finally issued a plan last week for how it will promote better design of new electronics products, and better management of used electronics products.

But does it fully tackle the enormous problem of toxic e-waste? No.

The new federal policy fails to include one key rule: a ban on all exports of toxic e-waste to developing countries. Without a ban on e-waste exports, outdated government computers, monitors, printers, and other electronics products—paid for by American tax dollars—will continue to be shipped to developing countries, where children and workers pick through their toxic innards. These electronic dump sites are some of the most toxic in the world, creating immense health hazards for the workers, many of which are young children, who sort through them to collect precious metals.

As an institution with potential to create a replicable e-waste policy, the federal government should lead by example and ban all exports of their e-waste to developing nations.

Take Action now: Tell President Obama to Include a Ban on E-Waste Exports in the Federal Electronic Stewardship Policy!

Photo Credit: Basel Action Network
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Make a Call for Safer Chemicals!

Thousands of chemicals are used in everyday products without ever being tested for safety. Let's show Congress we want a change in that system!

Today people like you across the country are calling Senator Feinstein to ask for common sense limits on toxic chemicals. Will you join thousands of people in making a call today?

What YOU Can Do:

Call the capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator's offices. Either a friendly staff member will answer the phone, or you’ll be asked to leave a message. Please ask them to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act and let them know what city you live in. Call back and leave a message for your other Senator!

SAMPLE MESSAGE

"Hi my name is _______ and I am a (insert something like mom, dad, aunt, nurse, doctor etc). I am really concerned about toxic chemicals in consumer products and their impact on my family’s health. I’m calling Senator___________ to ask him/her to co-sponsor the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.

I am particulary concerned about the effects of toxic chemicals on my children's health. As parents, we need to have confidence that the products we use in our homes and around our children are safe.”

MAKE THE CALL!! Phone calls are an incredibly important way for your Senators to know how you feel. It makes a huge difference! To help us track the number of calls made, please click the "I called" button to be counted after you call. Thank you!

For questions please contact Kathryn Alcantar at: 510.655.3900 x315

P.S. Mark your calendars for August 10th when we'll be joining groups across the US in a National Day of Action. Put on your superhero cape and help us fight for safe chemicals! Stay tuned to http://generationgreen.org for details.

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Tell Bath & Body Works to Stop Using Triclosan in its Products!

The toxic chemical triclosan is used in so many products that it has found its way into most of our bodies. Used as an antibacterial, triclosan does more than just kill germs. It poses serious health hazards by disrupting hormones, lowering sperm production, and—after it’s washed into down the drain—can transform into dioxins, a class of chemicals some consider the most toxic known to science.

The popular body care chain Bath & Body Works uses the harmful chemical in a huge array of their products, including a variety of flavored handsoaps. Marketed to and used by preteen and teenaged girls, Bath & Body Works products are the last place that a toxic chemical like triclosan should be.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that it’s in most of us no matter what age, gender, and race we are.

Further, in 2007, a high-powered team scientists from the University of Michigan, Columbia, and Tufts reviewed 27 different studies of the effectiveness of triclosan soaps. They concluded that triclosan soaps “were no more effective than plain soap at preventing infectious illness symptoms and reducing bacterial levels on the hands.”

Turns out your grandmother was right: wash your hands with good, old fashioned soap and water.

But the popular craze with antibacterials has made it common for teens and consumers to be exposed to triclosan.

Help CEH protect consumers and put an end to the use of triclosan in our personal care products.

Tell Bath and Body Works CEO now: Stop using toxic triclosan in your products!
Stop Mislabeled Personal Care Products!
For years, organic advocates have demanded that products labeled as organic should contain a majority of organic ingredients and should not contain potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals. But many companies deceptively label their lotions, shampoos, toothpaste and other personal care products as “organic” when they contain few or no organic ingredients.

A recent investigation by CEH found several “Namaste Organic Root Stimulator” products mislabeled as “organic”, in violation of California’s organic law. Made by organics industry titan “Namaste Laboratories,” Root Stimulator products are sold at retailers across the country. Even worse? Chemicals in one Organic Root Stimulator product have been linked to cancer, developmental harm, hormone disruption, skin toxicity, and allergies.

Enough is enough. We believe that organic is an important term that protects the health of people and their communities. Companies have an obligation to use that word correctly rather than slapping it on any label they choose.

It’s time to hold Namaste Labs accountable for their deceptive labels. As an industry leader, Namaste should stand up and stop their organic greenwashing.

Take Action today to end the mislabeling of organic care products. Tell Namaste Founder & President Gary Gardner that products labeled as organic must stick to strong organic standards!

If you have purchased products from these companies that you believe were mislabeled and want more information on your potential legal rights, contact charles@ceh.org.
Call on Governor Brown to pull methyl iodide before any more goes in the ground!
Methyl iodide has been on the market for 6 months in California, and been used twice. Governor Brown agreed to revisit the methyl iodide decision in March, but has not yet done so. Meanwhile, more than 35 CA legislators wrote EPA urging a ban of the chemical nation-wide. Your phone call to Governor Brown is needed to push Brown into action. Let us know how it goes!

Instructions: Political insiders tell us that one phone call is worth dozens of emails. Please do both!

1) Call Governor Brown (916-445-2841) using the suggested talking points to get you started. When you submit your zip code below, you will see the Governor's phone number. Make your call, then;

2) Click through to send the email as well.

Talking points for your call:

I am calling about the pesticide methyl iodide, called “one of the most toxic chemicals on earth,” by a California scientist that reviewed the chemical.

Last March, Governor Brown agreed to reopen the 11th-hour Schwarzenegger approval of the pesticide methyl iodide, but hasn’t yet stopped its use while he reconsiders. Meanwhile, 2 farms have used methyl iodide, and soil fumigation season is fast approaching.

California scientists have determined that there is no safe way to use this chemical in agriculture while protecting public health.

I urge you to act now to stop the use of methyl iodide in California, and to allow science to guide the policy decision on this dangerous chemical.
Stop Mislabeled Personal Care Products!
For years, organic advocates have demanded that products labeled as organic should contain a majority of organic ingredients and should not contain potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals. But many companies deceptively label their lotions, shampoos, toothpaste and other personal care products as “organic” when they contain few or no organic ingredients.

A recent investigation by CEH found several “Jason” products mislabeled as “organic”, in violation of California’s organic law. Made by organics industry titan “Hain Celestial,” Jason products are sold at Whole Foods and other retailers across the country (Hain also makes Alba and Avalon brand products). CEH found that a Jason deodorant labeled “pure, natural, and organic” contained just one organic ingredient, and had two synthetic chemical ingredients that have been linked to health problems, including hormone disruption and allergies.

Enough is enough. We believe that organic is an important term that protects the health of people and their communities. Companies have an obligation to use that word correctly rather than slapping it on any label they choose.

It’s time to hold Hain accountable for their deceptive labels. As an industry leader, Hain should stand up and stop their organic greenwashing.

Take Action today to end the mislabeling of organic care products. Tell Hain CEO Irwin Simon that products labeled as organic must stick to strong organic standards!

And, you can see the full list of companies using improper organic labels here; if you have purchased products from these companies that you believe were mislabeled and want more information on your potential legal rights, contact charles@ceh.org.
Take Action Against Toxic Flame Retardants in Baby Products!
Right now, most baby carriers, car seats, portable cribs, and other baby products contain toxic or untested synthetic flame retardants that may pose serious health risks.

Many of these chemicals are known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins, and substances linked to hormone disruption, lowered IQ, and birth defects. A study released last month found that almost 80% of the baby products sampled contained these hazardous flame retardants chemicals.

So why are these toxic chemicals added to baby products? The chemical companies that make the flame retardants claim that they are necessary for slowing potential fires. In reality, there is no fire hazard from these baby products or data to show that the flame retardants are effective in increasing fire safety. Manufacturers selling products in California claim they add flame retardants to meet an outdated California flammability standard that requires the foam to withstand a 12 second open flame burn. Unfortunately for our nation's children, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to meet the standard is through the use of chemical flame retardants.

Flame retardants should not be used in baby products! We're urging 6 influential baby product manufacturers that use these toxic retardants to eliminate their use and advocate for an alternative flammability standard that does not necessitate the use of these chemicals. Tell baby product manufacturers: Take action against risky flame retardant chemicals. (Clicking below will send a letter to these companies.)
Support the New Director of Dept. of Toxic Substances Control!
As the new Director of the Department of Toxic Substances Control, Deborah Raphael’s role will be to protect public health and the environment from exposures to hazardous wastes and to look for ways to reduce the hazardous waste produced in California.

As the co-chair of the Green Ribbon Science Panel, Raphael helped promote the California Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI), a program that protects the public and the environment from harmful chemicals by fostering the innovation, design, and manufacture of chemical products and processes intended to reduce or eliminate the creation and use of materials hazardous to human health and the environment. Green chemistry is extremely valuable because it reduces and prevents pollution at its source, protecting families and the environment from exposure to toxic chemicals.

While Raphael has to step down as co-chair, she will still be able to play a significant leadership role in reducing California’s production and use of toxic chemicals by developing strong regulations for the implementation of the (GCI).

Join us in congratulating Raphael on her new position and urge her to continue her strong leadership on the Green Chemistry Initiative.
Take Action Against Toxic Flame Retardants!
Right now, members of the California Senate have the opportunity to take a step towards better health for Californians by eliminating unnecessary toxic chemicals from items we use every day.

The Consumer Choice Fire Safety Act would reform an outdated and ineffective regulation that has become a de facto requirement for flame retardant chemicals. Many of these chemicals have no proven fire safety benefit and have been linked to cancer, lowered IQ, reproductive problems, thyroid effects, and hormone disruption. A recently published landmark scientific consensus highlights health and environmental hazards of many flame retardants and discusses concern about the persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic properties of these chemicals. They are so hazardous that many compare them to asbestos. The Asbestos of our Time tells the story of what can happen if we don't act on early signs, and that these eight Senators have one more change to vote yes on this important Fire Safety Act.

Flame retardants escape from products into dust and are can easily expose humans and animals. Levels of these chemicals have increased 40-fold in human breast milk since the 1970s. In fact, a study just released by UC Berkeley and other researchers found that California children have seven times more flame-retardant chemicals in their blood than their foreign-born counterparts.

We need to take action now to give consumers a choice to buy products without toxic chemicals that are ineffective for fire safety.

Use our web tool below to send a quick letter to your Senator. Protect the Health of Families Nationwide: Keep Fire Safety, Give Us a Choice for Health!
- Want to do more? Please call your Senator and tell them not to put chemical industry profits over your family's health! Urge them to vote for the Consumer Choice Fire Safety Act-- you can use our list of the target Senate members and talking points here.
Take Action Against Toxic Flame Retardants!
Right now, members of the California legislature have the opportunity to take a step towards better health for Californians by eliminating unnecessary toxic chemicals from items we use every day.

The Consumer Choice Fire Safety Act would reform an outdated and ineffective regulation that has become a de facto requirement for flame retardant chemicals. Many of these chemicals have no proven fire safety benefit and have been linked to cancer, lowered IQ, reproductive problems, thyroid effects, and hormone disruption. A recently published landmark scientific consensus highlights health and environmental hazards of many flame retardants and discusses concern about the persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic properties of these chemicals.

Flame retardants escape from products into dust and are can easily expose humans and animals. Levels of these chemicals have increased 40-fold in human breast milk since the 1970s. In fact, a study just released by UC Berkeley and other researchers found that California children have seven times more flame-retardant chemicals in their blood than their foreign-born counterparts.

We need to take action now to give consumers a choice to buy products without toxic chemicals that are ineffective for fire safety.

Use our web tool below to send a quick letter to your CA Legislator Committee Members. Protect the Health of Families Nationwide: Keep Fire Safety, Give Us a Choice for Health!
- Want to do more? If you're angry that your children and family are exposed to these dangerous chemicals in your products and furniture everyday, you can make a big difference by going to your local distrtict office before noon, Monday, April 25 to stand up for this bill. It's not complicated-look up your district office here, and we'll help you with talking points. Contact Kathryn Alcantar at (510) 655-3900 x315 for more info.
- If you have time, please call your legislator and tell them not to put chemical industry profits over your family's health! Urge them to vote for the Consumer Choice Fire Safety Act-- you can use our list of the target Senate members and talking points here.
Take Action Against Toxic Strawberry Pesticide!
Here's what we know about the health problems caused by methyl iodide, a new pesticide used mostly to grow strawberries:
Here's what else we know about methyl iodide:

Farmers don't need it. Growing strawberries is the major use of methyl iodide, but organic strawberries taste great, don't use methyl iodide, and make just as much money for farmers.

Tell EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to stop the use of this toxic pesticide. Just a few mouse clicks is all it takes.

Want to know more about methyl iodide and what you can do to end the use of this toxic pesticide? Visit http://www.safestrawberry.org.
Take Action Against CBS National Greenwashing Ad Campaign!
There’s a new advertising campaign on CBS television (and radio, billboards and online media). Called “EcoAds,” this project of CBS/EcoMedia (a division of CBS Corporation) allows advertisers to display a green leaf logo with the phrase “EcoAd” at the bottom of the screen while their commercial runs.

A new way for responsible, green companies to inform us about their eco-friendliness – what could be bad about that?

The problem is, CBS is offering the green logo to any advertiser, regardless of their environmental record or whether (or not) the product advertised has any environmental benefit. In marketing the program, CBS tells potential advertisers, “Any ad can be an EcoAd.”

But really – should any company be able to display a green logo, implying that they’re an eco-friendly business?

We think that’s exactly the kind of greenwashing that confuses viewers and creates cynicism about corporate environmental claims. We are asking CBS to fix this program, with third-party oversight and an on-screen explanation, so viewers know what the EcoAd logo signifies about the products and companies who display it.

Please help us by urging CBS/EcoMedia President Paul Polizzotto to change the EcoAd program! CBS should not be fostering deceptive greenwashing ads. CBS/EcoMedia has not responded to CEH directly, but the company has defended their EcoAd program in several media reports. Read the CBS response and our reply, here.
Tell EPA: It's Time to End the Use of Toxic Triclosan!
If you've never heard of the germ-killing chemical triclosan, you will soon. It's in a mind-boggling array of every day products: toothbrushes and toothpaste; toys; soaps; clothing and footwear; mattresses, brooms, and shower curtains; and even facial tissue. (For a more complete list see page 9 of EPA's analysis)

In fact, it's used in so many products that it has found its way into most of our bodies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that it's in most of us no matter what age, what gender, and what race we are.

The idea behind triclosan is simple. It kills germs, making your toothbrush, your soap, or your kids' toys seem safer and healthier.

But triclosan does more than just kill germs. Here's a sample of what recent research has shown about triclosan:
- It disrupts hormones.
- It lowers sperm production
- It's also a problem for streams, rivers, and the living things in them. For example, after triclosan soap goes down your drain and through your local water treatment plant, some of the chemical remains in the treated water and is converted by sunlight into dioxins -- a class of chemicals some consider the most toxic known to science. Dioxins cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, and a litany of other serious health woes.
Now for the most important part: triclosan doesn't make us less germy or more healthy.

In 2007, a high-powered team of scientists from the University of Michigan, Columbia, and Tufts reviewed 27 different studies of the effectiveness of triclosan soaps. They concluded that triclosan soaps "were no more effective than plain soap at preventing infectious illness symptoms and reducing bacterial levels on the hands." So it turns out that your grandmother was right: wash your hands with good, old fashioned soap and water.

Why is triclosan now found in everything from toothbrushes to mattresses? One answer is that this toxic chemical has been ruthlessly marketed and promoted by the powerful chemical industry. Triclosan now makes a lot of money for the chemical companies that make it, the companies that make products containing it, and the stores that sell those products.

Over 80 concerned organizations (including your favorite, CEH) have petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency to end the use of toxic triclosan as a pesticide. This is an important step that will help turn the tide against this all-too-common toxic chemical.

EPA is now asking for your comments. All it takes is a few clicks of your mouse to let EPA know what you think.

Please take a moment and share your thoughts about the ubiquitous use of this unnecessary poison that has no place in our homes, our products, and our water!
Tell EPA: It's Time to Create Strong Federal Regulations for Coal Ash Disposal!
Across the country, thousands of tons of toxic coal ash are produced as coal is burned to generate electricity. This toxic ash is filled with dangerous pollutants that can seep into our drinking water.

Because the disposal of this toxic waste is not federally regulated, coal ash is recklessly dumped in thousands of inadequate coal ash storage sites across the country, endangering nearby communities, waterways, and ecosystems.

These coal ash sites threaten people’s water supplies, their health, and even their homes, as we saw with the devastating coal ash spill in Tennessee two years ago.

But the EPA is finally considering stronger regulations to protect families and communities from toxic coal ash. Comments will only be accepted by 5 pm EST, 2 pm PST, tomorrow (Friday, November 19th)!

We must take action NOW: Tell EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that it’s time to create strong federal regulations for coal ash disposal.
Tell A Major Electronics Corporation: You Make It, You Take It Back!
We often alert you when big name companies are failing to take responsible action to protect our health and the environment.

But sometimes lesser known big companies are just as bad.

For instance, have you ever heard of FUNAI Corporation?

If you’ve ever purchased electronics at Walmart, you may have Funai products and not even know it. Funai makes major brands like Philips, Sylvania, Magnavox and Emerson. This little-known company is the 5th largest TV seller in the US.

But while they’re selling a lot of new TVs, Funai is refusing to take responsibility for the toxic mess created by their outdated products. Millions of tons of e-waste are piling up every year, and consumers are stuck with the health and environmental costs of cleaning up Funai’s mess.

While other producers, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba, Vizio, and Mitsubishi are improving in their electronic recycling programs, Funai still has no national take back program for outdated TVs.

The company only takes back TVs in states that require producers to do so.

If they can take back outdated TVs in some states, why can’t they take them back everywhere?

Send a message to Funai’s new CEO Ernie Padalino, urging him to start his new job off right by introducing a takeback program to recycle their products!
Urge Congress to Stop Global E-Waste Dumping
Landmark legislation has been introduced to stop U.S. companies posing as electronic “recyclers” from dumping hazardous e-waste materials from the United States on developing countries.

Today, most e-waste – as much as 50-80% of the e-waste that companies claim they are “recycling” — is actually dumped in developing countries like China, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan and Vietnam, where poor residents pick through the toxic waste for scrap.

The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010 (HR 6252), would protect people and the environment from this hazardous practice, create new recycling and refurbishment jobs here in the United States, and force businesses to live up to their promises.

Our online tool makes it easy to urge your Representative to support the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010.

The bill would, for the first time, create meaningful ways to avoid scam recyclers. Violators would be subject to criminal penalties, and be publicized on a public registry of violators, so we can all steer clear of those companies still abusing the term “recycling”.

Take Action now: Urge your Representative to support the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010!
Californians: Tell the Governor it’s “Strawberry Fields Forever,” Not “Strawberry Fields for Cancer”

Find someone whose friends and family have been untouched by cancer, and you’ve found a rare (and lucky) person. Risks of cancer are too high already.

So we have a few questions:

- Why did California's Department of Pesticide Regulation recently propose to allow the use of methyl iodide, a new pesticide that is known by the State of California to cause cancer?

- Why should our government suggest we intentionally expose people to this chemical, knowing that is so toxic that six Nobel laureates took the time to write a letter opposing its use?

- And how can our government consider allowing this pesticide’s use when scientists have shown that it causes not only cancer but also miscarriages and damage to people’s nervous systems.

Follow the money and the corporate lobbyists and you’ll see that Arysta, the company that makes methyl iodide, has successfully lobbied California's governor to put the company’s profits ahead of California's health.

Methyl iodide’s primary target will be strawberry fields. But California has plenty of successful strawberry farmers who have shown it’s possible to grow safe, delicious, organic strawberries without using highly toxic chemicals like methyl iodide.

Ignoring the facts, Arysta and the agribusiness industry will continue to insist that California needs this new, dangerous poison.

California will make a final decision about methyl iodide in the next few weeks. Please take a moment today and tell Governor Schwarzenegger to put people’s health ahead of corporate profits.

After you click to take action, the governor's office will ask you to identify an "issue area" for your comment. Please select "Food and Ag Issues/Concerns" on the page that follows.
Californians: Demand Your Right to Know What's in that Toxic Spray!

People are shocked when they learn the truth: our government lets powerful companies keep many of the chemicals in pesticides secret. They call these secret chemicals “inert ingredients,” but that name is misleading. Some cause cancer, genetic damage, reproductive harm, and other serious health problems.

But there’s good news: after ignoring the issue for decades, the federal EPA wants to force companies to disclose the secret, often toxic ingredients in pesticides.

This is the kind of game-changer that some environmental health advocates have been pursuing for a lifetime.

California has two resolutions in our state legislature (SB 35 and HR 23) that would formalize our state’s support for disclosure of currently secret ingredients in pesticides.

This is exactly the kind of support that EPA needs if it’s going to stand a chance of forcing the pesticide industry to come clean.

Enter your zip code and follow the instructions below to urge your California Senator and Assemblymember to support the disclosure of secret ingredients in pesticides.

Demand your right to know what’s in that toxic spray!

(And if you haven’t already, click here to join the thousands of health advocates who are asking EPA to put an end to pesticide secrets.)