News & Insights

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.

Rite Aid and Target commit to screening beauty products marketed to women of color for toxic chemicals More than 65,000 stores worldwide pledge to eliminate or reduce toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in food packaging WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report released today by the Mind the Store campaign finds significant chemical policy improvement with nearly 70% of companies surveyed having […]

WASHINGTON, D.C.—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). The Act would reduce plastic production, increase recycling rates, ban the use of certain single use plastics, encourage greater reuse, and require stronger regulations to protect frontline […]

Toxic PFAS regulation and clean-up driving the majority of more than 180 expected policies for this year (WASHINGTON, D.C.)—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 […]

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.

Company eliminating PFAS in packaging materials by 2025 Public health advocates urge the company to act by 2022 and call on Burger King and Wendy’s to follow suit WASHINGTON, D.C. — 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 […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, Congressional negotiators finalized the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, which now includes several important provisions that begin to take action on the PFAS contamination crisis. At the same time, the conferees left out key provisions that would have required cleanup of PFAS-contaminated communities and industrial water pollution. The final […]

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.

While Safer States primarily focuses on stopping the use of toxic chemicals, another key aspect of our mission is to support the clean up of communities that have been impacted by toxic pollution. We are happy to report that we have seen many victories this year in this fight!

Welcome back to our celebration of the victories and momentum on toxic chemicals this year! Today we are highlighting important advocacy work from four states—California, New York, Minnesota and Washington—that is making a positive impact on the health and resilience of their communities. Their work pushed companies to move away from the most toxic chemicals and, in some cases, to also disclose information on whether or not certain toxic chemicals are in their products.