Honoring Juneteenth

June 18, 2021

Eduardo Valenzuela

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day freedom finally came to enslaved people in the state of Texas - nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While today is a day of celebration, it is also a day of acknowledgement and recommitment to unraveling the systemic inequality that remains in place to this day. 

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Juneteenth Blog

Vermont Governor Signs First-in-Nation Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals

May 19, 2021

PRESS STATEMENT

PORTLAND, O.R.—Today, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law a nation-leading bill that restricts the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The bill bans PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam, food packaging, ski wax, and carpets, rugs, and stain-resistant treatments.

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As Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Imperil Human Reproduction, States are Leading the Way Out

April 21, 2021

Renee Sharp

The new book “Count Down” by environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Shanna Swan crystallizes just how dangerous endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenols, are to human reproductive health – and even pose a threat to the potential survival of the human species. States have been leading the charge to combat these harmful chemicals.

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Reproduction

How the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act can help get toxic chemicals out of our products and communities

April 02, 2021

Renee Sharp

Last Thursday’s introduction of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act (BFFPPA) by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) represents an ambitious attempt to address our plastic pollution crisis. Since so many toxic chemicals are plastic additives, reducing plastics can also reduce toxic chemical use and exposure.

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BFFPA Blog Image

New study finds nearly 70% of companies surveyed have improved toxic chemical safety programs

March 30, 2021

Press Release

A new report released today by the Mind the Store campaign finds significant chemical policy improvement with nearly 70% of companies surveyed having better chemical safety programs now compared to their first evaluation dating as far back as 2016. 

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Retailer Report Card

Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act Includes Toxics Provisions

March 24, 2021

Eduardo Valenzuela

Today, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) will join environmental advocates to discuss the reintroduction of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act (BFFPPA). In response, Safer States strategic advisor Renée Sharp issued the following statement.

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New analysis finds at least 27 states will consider toxic chemical policies in 2021

February 03, 2021

Press Release

Safer States today released its annual analysis of anticipated state-level policies on toxic chemical regulation, finding that at least 27 states will consider policies in 2021. Safer States anticipates that at least 180 bills will be under consideration in 2021 and efforts to combat toxic PFAS chemicals will continue to be the most prevalent issue.

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2021 Anticipated Policy

2021 Analysis of Upcoming State Legislation on Toxic Chemicals

February 03, 2021

Sarah Doll

Safer States analyzed anticipated state-level policies on toxic chemical regulation, finding that at least 27 states will consider policies in 2021. Safer States anticipates that at least 180 bills will be under consideration in 2021 and efforts to combat toxic PFAS chemicals will continue to be the most prevalent issue.

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2021 Anticipated Policy2

McDonald’s announces global ban of toxic chemicals in food packaging

January 13, 2021

International fast-food giant McDonald’s today announced a new global sustainable packaging commitment, banning the class of toxic chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from guest packaging materials.

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McDs AdobeStock 279207035 Editorial Use Only

PFAS, Covid-19, and the Immune System: a new science review

December 09, 2020

By Eduardo Valenzuela

Scientists don’t understand all of the reasons why some individuals get Covid-19 and experience few or no symptoms while others fall gravely ill or die from the disease. One outstanding question is whether exposure to chemicals, such as PFAS, that can harm the immune system could be playing a role.

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PFAS Covid 19 and the Immune System