Honoring Juneteenth
June 18, 2021
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.
Vermont Governor Signs First-in-Nation Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals
May 19, 2021
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.
As Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Imperil Human Reproduction, States are Leading the Way Out
April 21, 2021
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.
How the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act can help get toxic chemicals out of our products and communities
April 02, 2021
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.
New study finds nearly 70% of companies surveyed have improved toxic chemical safety programs
March 30, 2021
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.
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act Includes Toxics Provisions
March 24, 2021
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.
New analysis finds at least 27 states will consider toxic chemical policies in 2021
February 03, 2021
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.
2021 Analysis of Upcoming State Legislation on Toxic Chemicals
February 03, 2021
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.
PFAS, Covid-19, and the Immune System: a new science review
December 09, 2020
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.