ToxicsWAtch Blog

Dig In With The Little Ones

lmikesell — 2013-05-23T20:54:18Z

With warming soil temperatures and last frost, the month of May shouts garden time! Children can be helpful garden companions and there is much in the garden to delight them and you.

We’re Ready For Round 2

lmikesell — 2013-05-13T17:59:37Z

We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (ESHB 1294) didn’t make it out of the Senate in the final hours of the regular legislative session. The Senate never took up the strong House version of the bill, nor did it accept reasonable compromises offered by the bill sponsors. Massive last-minute lobbying by the American Chemistry Council, the Association of Washington Business and Walmart resulted in the Senate letting the bill die.

8 Reasons To GiveBIG To WTC On May 15th

lmikesell — 2013-05-13T19:50:43Z

Spring is in the air. That means GiveBIG, our community’s biggest giving day of the year, is right around the corner. We know you want to donate where your dollar will do the most good. That’s why we are giving you eight reasons to GiveBIG to Washington Toxics Coalition on May 15th.

Walmart: Put Your Money Where Your Chemicals Are

ivy — 2013-05-07T22:39:45Z

Last week, we published an analysis of reports filed by the makers of kids’ products on toxic chemicals in products they make. In those reports, one company stood out, not just because it was among the top five companies reporting the most products, but because it was the most powerful single company that worked to defeat a Washington state bill to ban toxic flame retardants in children's products.

Mats Matter

lmikesell — 2013-04-26T18:41:51Z

Naps give our little ones much needed time to recharge. As parents and teachers, we want our children to rest without lying in a bed of harmful chemicals. But recently, Washington Toxics Coalition found flame retardants in nap mats sold for use in childcare.

Will Washington Get A Strong Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act?

lmikesell — 2013-04-25T16:53:08Z

Last Wednesday, the Senate voted on the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (ESHB 1294). Unfortunately, it passed a completely inadequate version of the bill that will not protect kids, fire fighters or the environment. But in good news, the House refused to accept the Senate’s weak bill and has asked to negotiate with the Senate.

Let's Jump Off The Toxic Treadmill

lmikesell — 2013-04-23T20:49:30Z

One of the most frustrating things we see when we are investigating the use of harmful chemicals in everyday consumer products is a disturbing trend we call the Toxic Treadmill.

The Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act Is On Its Way!

lmikesell — 2013-04-03T23:45:13Z

In good news, the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act passed out of the Senate Energy, Environment & Telecommunications Committee on Tuesday shortly before the deadline! This means the bill will continue through the legislative process and now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.

The Chemical Industry's Opposition A Lot Like Groundhog Day

ivy — 2013-04-02T14:13:13Z

Sometimes our campaigns to protect kids from harmful toxic chemicals feel a lot like the movie Groundhog Day. That’s not to say that the protections we are seeking are old news, because they aren’t. Washington state has put in place groundbreaking laws to change the way toxic chemicals in products are regulated. These policies have not only helped improve our health, but have resulted in changes in the marketplace and provided much needed momentum for federal reform.

A Guy Like Me Shouldn't Be Exposed To Toxic Flame Retardants

lmikesell — 2013-03-27T17:44:55Z

Of course, babies shouldn't be exposed to poisonous chemicals, but neither should guys like me. I don’t smoke, work out a lot (I’m part of a medieval combat group), and try to eat healthy. Why should sitting on my family’s furniture be more dangerous than wrestling? Why should consumer products be cancer risks when there are plenty of safer ways to prevent fires?

Graco Reports Still Using Toxic Flame Retardants

ivy — 2013-03-20T17:16:37Z

The toxic treadmill has struck Graco, the manufacturer of car seats and other kids products, who was praised last year for pledging to stop using the toxic flame retardant chlorinated Tris in its products. Now the company has disclosed to Washington state that they are using another harmful chemical flame retardant called TBBPA in their products.

We All Deserve Safe Furniture

lmikesell — 2013-03-14T21:13:19Z

Like most young people during these tough economic times, I have been struggling in the job market and am currently without health insurance. This means I worry about my health more than many people, because an unexpected illness could have huge financial consequences.

Top 10 Tips: Choosing Safer Toys

lmikesell — 2013-03-12T19:47:12Z

Playtime should be carefree, yet gaping holes in laws to protect children from chemicals allow toxics in the toy box. Choose safer toys for kids of all ages with the following tips:

On To The Senate!

lmikesell — 2013-03-08T17:46:15Z

Late last night, the Washington State House of Representatives passed the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act by a vote of 53-44! The bill would ban the use of the harmful flame retardants TCEP and TDCPP in children’s products and home furniture, beginning July 1, 2015, and would get us off the toxic treadmill by ensuring that manufacturers use safer chemicals as replacements.

The Health Risks Are Real

lmikesell — 2013-03-14T19:18:34Z

As a physician and father, the health of my patients, my family and our community is my priority. The health risks from exposure to chemicals like toxic Tris are REAL, and that’s why I support the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act.