ToxicsWAtch Blog

We're Almost There!

lmikesell — 2012-02-24T00:18:08Z

It’s been a whirlwind week. After our bill the Toxic-Free Kids Act (SSB 6120) was gutted in the Senate Ways and Means, it was voted on the Senate Floor, and then sped its way through the House Environment Committee and the Government Oversight and Appropriations committee, where it was strengthened!

Does That Formula Come With A Side Of Arsenic?

lmikesell — 2012-02-23T18:18:45Z

A new study revealing high amounts of arsenic in organic brown rice syrup has been all over the news this week. Brown rice syrup is used as a sweetener in many organic foods, and the discovery that their baby’s formula could contain dangerous levels of arsenic has sent many parents through the roof. The Dartmouth study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, measured arsenic levels in infant formulas, energy shots, and cereal bars.

All's NOT Fair In Love And War

lmikesell — 2012-02-22T23:11:12Z

No one said the road to protecting children from toxic chemicals would be easy. It’s a fight worth fighting for, but it’s a fight nonetheless. We came face to face with what our opposition was capable of, in the form of a "front group” known as Citizens For Fire Safety (CFFS). This group will stop at nothing to defeat the Toxic-Free Kids Act as their latest tactic shows.

Voters Overwhelmingly Support Toxic-Free Kids Act

ivy — 2012-02-17T20:33:04Z

Although no surprise to us, a recent poll of Washington voters released yesterday shows the public overwhelmingly supports getting rid of cancer-causing flame retardants in children's products. A whopping 84% of those polled said they support the Toxic-Free Kids Act (SB 6120). So, if voters agree these harmful chemicals need to go, why is the Toxic-Free Kids Act not sailing through the legislature?

Who Opposes Protecting Kids From Toxic Flame Retardants?

ivy — 2012-02-16T23:53:47Z

If you’ve been following the progress of the Toxic-Free Kids Act in the legislature this session, then you know it has hit some unfortunate bumps the in the past week. Many of our readers and supporters have asked who is opposed to legislation that will protect kids from cancer-causing chemicals? Here’s the answer.

We Got The Eye Of The Tiger

lmikesell — 2012-02-17T02:49:14Z

The chemical industry threw us a couple hard punches last week when they successfully weakened our bill in the Senate with an amendment that removed the most important parts of the bill. Now, children won’t be protected from cancer-causing Chlorinated Tris (TDCPP) flame retardants and companies aren’t required to look for safer alternatives. We’ve got the “eye of the tiger” and are back on our feet, ready to fight for safer products for our kids. But we need your help!

Raise A Glass To Clean Water!

lmikesell — 2012-02-20T19:09:29Z

Your tap water may be safe, but is it healthy? In 2009, the Environmental Working Group analyzed water quality data submitted by states to the EPA, which enforces the Safe Water Drinking Act. It found that 316 different contaminants were identified in tap water, but that 202 of those are not subject to any government regulations for drinking water!

Help! The Chemical Industry Is Winning!

lmikesell — 2012-02-08T22:32:41Z

We’re shocked. Sad. And angry. Last night, the Toxic-Free Kids Act was voted out of committee, but with an amendment written by the chemical industry that removed the most important parts of the bill. Now, children won’t be protected from these cancer-causing Tris flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in toys, baby blankets, and other items, unless the Senate votes to strengthen the bill by next Tuesday.

How To Spot A Front Group

lmikesell — 2012-02-06T22:20:04Z

A week or so ago, the group Citizens For Fire Safety popped up in Olympia opposing the Toxic-Free Kids Act, the bill to phase out the use of toxic Tris flame retardants . And, while their name sounds like they have the best of intentions, it turns out that Citizens For Fire Safety is actually a chemical industry front group with a long track record of lobbying dirty tricks. With the Toxic-Free Kids Act on this year’s legislative agenda in Washington, we’re not surprised they’ve surfaced here.

28 States To Consider Toxic Chemicals Legislation In 2012

lmikesell — 2012-01-30T22:08:44Z

The past couple years have seen unprecedented changes in the toxic chemicals landscape across the United States. In the past nine years, over 80 chemical safety laws have been passed with an overwhelming margin of bi-partisan support in statehouses across the country.

UPDATE: Toxic-Free Kids Act Moves Forward

ivy — 2012-01-25T21:10:09Z

Neither snow, nor ice, nor wind, nor rain, could keep supporters of the Toxic-Free Kids Act from Olympia and the State Capitol last week. And it's a good thing because it was quite a week in Olympia for the legisaltion.

Hidden Hazard In Your Nursery?

lmikesell — 2012-01-11T05:07:56Z

Parents have a lot to worry about these days; everything from healthy food choices to a good education. However, there are some things parents should not have to think about, namely the safety of kids’ products. Unfortunately, parents need to be aware that there are real health dangers hiding in some of the products on the market. A new report, Hidden Hazards in the Nursery, has found toxic Tris flame retardants in many popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats.

Doulas Join The Fight For Toxic-Free Pregnancies

lmikesell — 2011-12-28T19:55:28Z

The list of Dos and Don’ts given to a pregnant woman is nearly endless: don’t drink alcohol, avoid unpasteurized cheeses, go to prenatal yoga classes, get more sleep, take a daily prenatal vitamin, strengthen your pelvic floor, skip coffee, find the perfect birth location and medical provider...

We Freak Out So You Don't Have To

lmikesell — 2011-12-22T20:11:35Z

Are you feeling a little stressed? The craziness of the holidays can be enough to stress anyone out. Add concerns about cancer-causing chemicals in nursing pillows to the mix and I could understand how that could push anyone over the edge. Everyone, especially parents, has a million things to consider when they think about the health of their families. Packing a healthy lunch, making time for kids, and getting kids to soccer practice will always be on a parent’s to do list—but worrying about about cancer-causing chemicals in car seats or baby blankets shouldn’t be. With your help, we can make it a thing of the past.

Tips To Avoid Toxic Tris

lmikesell — 2011-12-20T18:08:51Z

As you’ve probably seen in many of our recent posts, toxic Tris flame retardants are bad news. Exposure to Tris has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and nervous system harm. By being mindful with certain purchases, you can try to limit your family’s exposure to these dangerous chemicals and reduce your toxic body burden.