Protecting Our Health from Toxic Chemicals

Toxic chemicals surround us—in our air, water, homes, and workplaces. Many chemicals used in everyday products, like plastics, cosmetics, toys, and furniture, increase the risk of serious illnesses. Clean Water Action is working to reduce toxic chemicals in our homes, workplaces and communities. This year, we are asking Massachusetts authorities to:

Ban toxic PFAS chemicals from consumer products;
Support Massachusetts communities that have been impacted by elevated rates of PFAS in their drinking water
Requiring companies that manufacture, sell or distribute children’s products to disclose whether those products include toxic chemicals. Require manufacturers to eliminate the most toxic chemicals from children’s productsl
Press supermarkets and big box retailers to get toxic products off their store shelves.
Ensure that Massachusetts addresses the risks associated with the emerging nanotechnology sector.

Last year, we won a big victory when the Massachusetts Legislature passed a law banning 11 dangerous flame retardants and giving the state the authority to restrict the use of additional flame retardants. This year, we are monitoring the law’s implementation, with a goal of adding additional flame retardants to the restricted list over the next several years.

Protecting our Health from Toxic Chemicals

Every day, we are exposed to toxic chemicals in food, water, the environment, and consumer products. While most Americans assume that products must be tested for safety before they are put on store shelves, many of the items in stores and our homes contain chemicals known to be toxic. Many more chemicals in everyday use have never been tested for safety. Cleaning agents, personal care products, household furniture, food packaging, and children’s toys all contain chemicals of concern.

Mind the Store

Consumers are exposed to thousands of harmful chemicals from the products they use every day. Personal care products, textiles, food containers and even the receipts we are handed at the register contain toxic chemicals, many linked to major health problems like cancer, infertility, and developmental issues for infants.

Under the wire: Mass. legislature sends bill to Governor’s desk that will protect children and firefighters from toxic flame retardants

“This is a huge new year’s gift to all Massachusetts families and in particular firefighters,” said Elizabeth Saunders, Massachusetts Director for Clean Water Action and board member of the Alliance. “These chemicals have been putting our children and firefighters at risk for decades and it’s high time that they are removed from the products that we bring into our homes. We’re counting on Governor Baker to join the legislature in prioritizing protection for our most vulnerable by signing this bill into law.”

Protecting Our Health from Toxic Chemicals