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.
Protecting communities from toxic PFAS
November 12, 2020
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!
Advocacy Impact: a look at victories from three states
October 20, 2020
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.
Guest Post: Mama Love -- a Powerful Force of Nature
September 18, 2020
If you're like me, you are watching more cute animal videos during the pandemic than ever before. A lot of my favorites include animal mamas and babies, especially when mamas take heroic steps to keep their babies safe.
That is what I see playing out on a larger scale in the Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. Saugus holds the distinction of hosting the oldest trash burner in the United States, operated by Wheelabrator. Simply put, Saugus contends with pollution from the stacks of this dinosaur as well as the toxic ash which is landfilled in a critical marsh area right next to the incinerator.
