The Toxies names the bad actors of toxics

We are all looking forward to the Oscars this weekend, but this week Hollywood played host to another awards ceremony: The Toxies.

This tongue-in-cheek awards ceremony hosted by Citizens for a Healthy and Green Economy (CHANGE) was created to bring attention to the "bad actors" of toxics and the place that they play in our lives.

California has a Green Chemistry Initiative, a program that was announced in 2008 with a goal of creating a list of chemicals of concern and replacing them with greener, safer alternatives where possible.

 

“A robust Green Chemistry program is essential if we are to ensure the products Californians use every day don’t contain toxics that can lead to cancer and other insidious diseases. We need a strong set of regulations to make this ambition a reality.”

- Assemblymember Mike Feuer

Awards were given to:

Bisphenol-A (BPA) . The chemical found in hard plastics, food packaging, register receipts and toilet paper was awarded the Viewers's Choice Award as Worst Chemical of 2009.

Mercury. Found in fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, dental fillings and our fish, Mercury was given a Toxie for Worst and Longest Running Performance.

Phthalates, which are found in fragrances, vinyl shower curtains and children's toys and has been linked to asthma and developmental issues, were awarded the prize for Worst Makeup.

Perchlorate was recognized with a Toxie award for Worst Special Effects. Among other things like rocket fuel, fireworks and airbags, Perc is found in drinking water and adversely affects human health by interfering with iodide update into the thyroid gland.

Lead received a Lifetime Achievement in Harm award for its ubiquity in our lives -- from lead-based paint, piping, children's toys, baby bibs, jewelry, handbags, lunch boxes, artificial turf, wheel weights, candy, and a range of industrial applications, Lead has a profound ability to damage children’s intellectual and behavioral development.

For more information about The Toxies, check out the CHANGE website, The Toxies Facebook page, or The Toxies Twitter page.