Protecting Our Health from Toxic Chemicals

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Toxic chemicals surround us—in our air, water, homes, and workplaces. Many chemicals used in everyday products, like plastics, cosmetics, body care products, toys and furniture, increase the risk of serious illnesses. Clean Water Action is working to reduce the use of and exposure to toxic chemicals in our homes, workplaces and communities. This includes:

Banning toxic flame retardants from upholstered furniture, children’s products, mattresses, bedding and window treatments.
Banning toxic PFAS chemicals from food packaging and protecting people from PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Pressing supermarkets and big box retailers to get toxic products off their store shelves.
Requiring companies to disclose to the state if they add toxic chemicals to children’s products, personal care items, or cleaners sold in Massachusetts.
Ensuring that Massachusetts addresses the risks associated with the emerging nanotechnology sector.

Toxic Chemicals

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.

Toxic Chemicals

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.

Toxic Chemicals

Flame Retardants

Flame retardant chemicals have been linked to cancer, learning and developmental disabilities in children and many more health issues.

Toxic Chemicals

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.”

From We All Live Downstream

Maryland bans toxic flame retardants, can Massachusetts be next?

Massachusetts

June 11, 2020

At this point many people are aware of the dangers of the toxic flame-retardant chemicals that are applied to household products. Now, widespread concern is turning into real action. Motivated by consumer interest, many manufacturers and retailers have been phasing out these chemicals and using safer, fire resistant materials. Thirteen states have already restricted the use of one or more flame-retardant chemicals.

Women who are pushing boundaries: Sarah Naiman

Massachusetts

March 25, 2019

This March, in commemorating International Women’s Month, we’ve worked to highlight the role of inspiring women in our network...women who are pushing boundaries and bringing fresh ideas, fighting for a healthy and just tomorrow. In that spirit, meet Sarah Naiman!

Simmons University Engages Students in Talks about Toxics

Massachusetts

March 19, 2019

I’ve learned a lot about the dangers of exposure to toxic chemicals through flame retardants at Clean Water Action. They’re everywhere in our homes: in mattresses, furniture, even children’s toys.

This is a really important issue to be aware of, but there is a real lack of awareness amongst my fellow college students.

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