New website contains info on toxic chemicals in products; testing results
Information gathered by advocates investigating toxic chemicals in food, baby products, toys, furniture, construction materials and other consumer goods was unveiled on a brand new website today to help shoppers, including families, builders, and others, learn how to identify potentially harmful products and find safer ones. SafeMarkets.org reflects the work of many organizations that are working to remove toxic chemicals from the marketplace and promote an economy based on safe, sustainable products.
"People assume that if a product is on store shelves, that it is safe, and unfortunately that couldn't be further from the truth. While we wait for urgent reform of our nation's chemicals regulations, it has fallen on moms and dads to become educated on how to protect themselves and their families from toxic chemicals in our homes, schools and hospitals," explains Mike Schade, work group leader for the National Work Group for Safe Markets (WSM) and markets campaign coordinator with Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ). "We have been sounding the alarm on toxic chemicals in back to school products for several years now, particularly lunchboxes, backpacks and other items made from vinyl-- a type of plastic with many hazardous ingredients including phthalates which are linked to asthma and reproductive harm. Parents shopping for their children's supplies can find links to CHEJ's 2013 safer school supplies guide on Safemarkets.org"
"This new website is a one-stop shop to provide information for consumers, retailers and manufacturers that are demanding safer products," adds Beverley Thorpe, also a WSM co-leader and consulting co-director for for Clean Production Action (CPA). "Here at CPA, we've developed the 'GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals' that helps manufacturers and retailers figure out how to choose safer chemicals for their products. This and our BizNGO Guide to Safer Chemicals helps companies adopt safer chemicals. This new site will help companies find these resources and more.
"With toxic flame retardant chemicals in so many things, including upholstered furniture, many baby products, and so many other common household items, even some brands of soda, it's hard to get through the day without being exposed to them. These chemicals have been linked to neurological problems, infertility, endocrine disruption, even cancer. That's why it's crucial for consumers to educate themselves before they buy. This new site really has what we know all in one place." says Kathy Curtis, National Coordinator of the Alliance for Toxic Free Fire Safety.
"People of color are disproportionately impacted by toxic chemicals," explains Michele Roberts with the Environmental Health and Justice Alliance,"So it is particularly important for us to have access to information about toxics in products marketed to us. SafeMarkets.org is a good start for gaining information on many products in our homes. We look forward to information on personal care products marketed to ethnic markets to be included here in the future."
Jamie McConnell, director of programs and policy for Women's Voices for the Earth and member of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. comments: "We've tested household products and found carcinogens and other harmful ingredients in cleansers, detergent, room fresheners and other everyday items used in many homes.
"People assume that if a product is on store shelves, that it is safe, and unfortunately that couldn't be further from the truth. While we wait for urgent reform of our nation's chemicals regulations, it has fallen on moms and dads to become educated on how to protect themselves and their families from toxic chemicals in our homes, schools and hospitals," explains Mike Schade, work group leader for the National Work Group for Safe Markets (WSM) and markets campaign coordinator with Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ). "We have been sounding the alarm on toxic chemicals in back to school products for several years now, particularly lunchboxes, backpacks and other items made from vinyl-- a type of plastic with many hazardous ingredients including phthalates which are linked to asthma and reproductive harm. Parents shopping for their children's supplies can find links to CHEJ's 2013 safer school supplies guide on Safemarkets.org"
"This new website is a one-stop shop to provide information for consumers, retailers and manufacturers that are demanding safer products," adds Beverley Thorpe, also a WSM co-leader and consulting co-director for for Clean Production Action (CPA). "Here at CPA, we've developed the 'GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals' that helps manufacturers and retailers figure out how to choose safer chemicals for their products. This and our BizNGO Guide to Safer Chemicals helps companies adopt safer chemicals. This new site will help companies find these resources and more.
"With toxic flame retardant chemicals in so many things, including upholstered furniture, many baby products, and so many other common household items, even some brands of soda, it's hard to get through the day without being exposed to them. These chemicals have been linked to neurological problems, infertility, endocrine disruption, even cancer. That's why it's crucial for consumers to educate themselves before they buy. This new site really has what we know all in one place." says Kathy Curtis, National Coordinator of the Alliance for Toxic Free Fire Safety.
"People of color are disproportionately impacted by toxic chemicals," explains Michele Roberts with the Environmental Health and Justice Alliance,"So it is particularly important for us to have access to information about toxics in products marketed to us. SafeMarkets.org is a good start for gaining information on many products in our homes. We look forward to information on personal care products marketed to ethnic markets to be included here in the future."
Jamie McConnell, director of programs and policy for Women's Voices for the Earth and member of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. comments: "We've tested household products and found carcinogens and other harmful ingredients in cleansers, detergent, room fresheners and other everyday items used in many homes.
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