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Advisories and Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Hidden Hazards In the Nursery
Toxic flame-retardants found in 85 percent of baby products tested, including children’s car seats tested in Michigan
ANN ARBOR - Many popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats, contain toxic flame-retardants linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other negative health effects, according to a new report released today in Seattle.
Full version of the report is available from the Washington Toxics Coalition.
Two of the products tested, both car seats, were bought in Michigan by the Ecology Center, the Ann Arbor-based environmental organization. Both were found to include the toxic chemicals.
'Children and families should not be exposed to these compounds, called Tris chemicals, which can escape from household items and contaminate house dust and indoor air," according to Rebecca Meuninck, environmental health campaign director for the Ecology Center. "Toxic flame retardants have no business being in products we bring into our homes, especially in items for kids who are more vulnerable to chemical exposures."
The report, Hidden Hazards In the Nursery, found toxic flame retardants in 17 out of 20 of new baby and children's products tested, including bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats. The study was conducted by the Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States, non-profit public health advocacy groups.
The most prevalent flame retardant--found in 16 of the 20 products tested--was chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), a chemical voluntarily removed from children's pajamas in the 1970s when it was found to cause adverse health effects. California recently classified chlorinated Tris as a carcinogen, and evidence links the chemical to neurotoxicity as well as hormone disruption.
This new research is a follow-up to consumer product testing on similar products performed by Healthystuff.org, a consumer product testing project of the Ecology Center. This researched showed the widespread presence of hazardous flame in children's products containing polyurethane foam. The HealthyStuff.org database contains consumer product ratings for hundreds of products, including children's car seats and baby products. Consumers can view product ratings at HealthyStuff.org.
"Parents shouldn't have to worry about hidden toxic chemicals in their child's nursing pillow or car seat," said Erika Schreder, science director for the Washington Toxics Coalition and author of the report. "Unfortunately, our testing shows many items contain toxic flame retardants."
The fact that four of the children's products tested did not contain Tris shows it is possible to make flame-retardant products without it. "Protecting people from fire is critical, but we can do it without exposing children to chemicals that harm their health," Meuninck said.
In the last 10 years, 18 states have passed more than 70 laws to protect public health from harmful chemicals, partly in response to long-overdue action on the federal level. In Michigan in December, Sen. Rebekah Warren introduced the Safe Children's Product Act, legislation that will give families the information they need to avoid children's products that contain harmful chemicals.
In Congress last year, Sen. Frank Lautenberg introduced the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 as an overhaul of the 35-year old Toxic Substances Control Act. The proposed law would ensure that chemical companies provide full information on health and safety before a chemical is allowed on the market, and preserve the rights of states to protect their residents with stronger standards.
#######STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH AT 12:01AM
Contact: Trevor Fitzgibbon (202) 406-0646; Amanda Sears (207) 699-5797
Poison in Paint, Toxics in Toys
Shoppers Warned that Hormone-Havoc Chemicals Lurk in Products
State Law Triggers Chemical Reporting, While Congress Lags Behind
Portland, Maine - A report released today identifies for the first time more than 650 brand name products that contain two hormone-disrupting toxic chemicals. Based on new industry data, the report names plastic toys, such as PLAYMOBIL play figures and Chicco baby rattles, which contain BPA (or bisphenol A), the same toxic chemical already banned in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups. The report revealed another toxic ingredient, known as NPEs, in nearly 300 household paints, as well as several cleaners, wood finishes and home maintenance products.
The report, Poison in Paint, Toxics in Toys, summarizes the first chemical use reports submitted by product manufacturers under a new state chemical safety law passed in Maine. Similar state laws go into effect in Washington and California next year and are pending in other states, as Congress lags behind in reforming the outdated federal Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.
"In the absence of federal leadership, state policies are the best way to identify and restrict toxic chemicals in products," said Mike Belliveau, lead report author and executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center based in Portland, Maine. "Until Congress acts, we can expect more states and businesses to respond to consumer demand for toxic-free products."
"As a new mom, I'm relieved to finally get some information I can use as a consumer to protect the health of my baby," said Hannah Pingree, the former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives who sponsored the 2008 Maine law known as the Kid Safe Products Act. "But why are these chemicals still used in everyday products, and what else are they keeping us in the dark about?" she asked. "Congress has to fix our broken federal chemical safety system. It's the only way to protect the health of all American families."
Armed with this new chemical use information, government can make better decisions to restrict toxic chemicals and industry leaders can switch to safer substitutes, just like the infant formula makers who recently ended their use of BPA in metal cans. Twenty-five manufacturers reported on priority chemical use in consumer products to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. For a full searchable listing of every brand name product reported to contain BPA or NPEs, visit www.HealthyStuff.org.
Studies have shown that BPA and NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates) mimic the sex hormone estrogen. BPA harms brain development, behavior and the prostate gland, among many other adverse health effects. NPEs are highly toxic to aquatic life, degrade into a long-lived chemical that builds up in the food chain, and may harm reproduction and development in humans. Aggregate exposure to BPA and NPEs from all sources threatens the health of children, workers and the environment.
More and more states are enacting laws to protect the health of American families from toxic chemicals in response to the failure of the obsolete federal chemical safety system to protect public health and the environment. In the last decade, 18 states have passed more than 70 laws to ban chemicals in products or create new chemical management programs at the state level. Under Maines Kid Safe Products Act, manufacturers must disclose their use of priority chemicals of high concern in consumer products. The state may then require companies to search for safer substitutes. Priority chemicals in products may be phased out if children are exposed and safer alternatives are available, effective and affordable.
S. 847, The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011, sponsored by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey), proposes a common sense, science-based overhaul of the 35 year-old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which has never been updated. The Safe Chemicals Act requires chemical manufacturers to provide health information and demonstrate the safety of all chemicals, while requiring immediate action to restrict uses of the worst chemicals based on the best science.
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The Environmental Health Strategy Center works in Maine and nationally as a public health organization that promotes human health and safer chemicals in a sustainable economy.
The State Alliance for Federal Reform (SAFER) of chemical policy, or SAFER States, is a coalition of state-based organizations championing solutions to protect public health and communities from toxic chemicals.
The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition represents more than 11 million individuals and includes parents, health professionals, advocates for people with learning and developmental disabilities, reproductive health advocates, environmentalists and businesses from across the nation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7 a.m. EST, Tues, Oct 26, 2011
Hazardous heavy metals contaminate most Halloween make-up, tests show
1 in 2 products contained cadmium
Toxic chemicals linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer
Consumer product researchers at the nonprofit Ecology Center have released new test data showing the universal presence of chemical hazards in Halloween make-up. The Ecology Center found one or more toxic heavy metals in 100 percent of the 31 Halloween make-up products tested. More than half (16 of 31) of the products tested contained detectable levels of cadmium, a reproductive and neural toxicant and carcinogen. This study comes on the heels of a bill introduced in the Michigan legislature last week to ban cadmium and mercury in certain children's products. The results of the study were posted today at www.HealthyStuff.org.
The study looked for heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, lead and chromium in Halloween make-up. Products tested were purchased from retailers in southeast Michigan, including Target, Halloween City, Party City and Spirit Halloween. The products were tested for hazardous heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, chromium and arsenic.
"Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals," said Kenneth Fletcher, associate executive director for government relations and outreach for the Michigan Nurses Association. "Heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and chromium are associated with learning disabilities, brain damage, skin allergies and even cancer."
The results of the study show that these make-up products, which are marketed to children are universally contaminated with heavy metals. A recent study (May 2011) by Environmental Defence (Canada) of adult cosmetics also found that 100 percent of the 49 cosmetics tested were contaminated with hazardous metals. These metals are typically considered impurities and are not subject to the same level of disclosure and regulations as intentionally added ingredients. None of the metals found were listed as ingredients on the product labels.
"Last week I joined a bi-partisan group of senators to co-sponsor a bill to ban the sale of children's toys and jewelry that contain cadmium and mercury," said Sen. Steven Bieda (D-Warren). "With this kind of support across the aisle, I hope to see swift action to protect Michigan children from these hazardous chemicals."
The study also found:
- One in two (52 percent) of Halloween makeup tested contained detectable levels of cadmium. The maximum level of cadmium detected was 455 parts per million.
- 100 percent of products contained chromium
- Other metals detected include: arsenic, 29 percent (9 of 31); tin, 52 percent (16 of 31); antimony 16 percent (5 of 31); mercury 13 percent (4 of 31) and lead 3 percent (1 of 31).
- The highest levels of cadmium, mercury, arsenic and antimony all exceeded the Health Canada draft Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics.
- Chemicals may be present at levels lower then the detection limit. Cosmetics also contain other ingredients that were tested for and which may be hazardous. The full ingredient lists can be viewed at HealthyStuff.org and consumers are urged to consult the Skin Deep cosmetics.
- Carnival Colors Makeup, Rubie's Costume Co., Inc.
- Pearlescent Crayons, Spirit Halloween
- Character Makeup Kit, Rubie's Costume Co., Inc.
- Lady Gaga Makeup Kit, Rubie's Costume Co., Inc.
"When there are so many other alternative ways to enjoy Halloween, it doesn't make sense for parents to expose their children to hazardous chemicals in make-up," said Rebecca Meuninck, environmental health campaign director for the Ecology Center. "I encourage families to use our results to choose safer products and make their own non-toxic Halloween make-up from the recipes on our website."
Make-up was tested by the consumer product testing project HealthyStuff.org, using a High Definition X-Ray Fluorescence (HD XRF) device, which identifies the elemental composition of materials. Results for all product are posted on www.HealthyStuff.org, where parents can look up the brand names of Halloween make-up tested to see how they scored with respect to toxic chemical content. The site also includes recipes for non-toxic Halloween make-up.# # #
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 12:01 a.m. EST, Wed, Aug 3, 2011
CONTACT: Jeff Gearhart 734-761-3186 ext 9276
** ATTN JOURNALISTS: Graphics of Best/Worst Car Seats & Images Available **
Hazardous Flame Retardants and Chemical Additives Found in
Over Half of 2011 Child Car Seats Tested by HealthyStuff.org
Toxic Chemicals Linked to Allergies, Birth Defects,
Impaired Learning, Liver Toxicity, and Cancer
Best Overall Child Car Seat: Graco Turbo Booster (in Anders)
Worst Overall Child Car Seat: Recaro Pro Booster (in Blue Opal)
The latest research on toxic chemicals in children's car seats was released
today by the nonprofit Ecology Center at the consumer-friendly site, www.HealthyStuff.org.
While some seats were found to be virtually free of the most dangerous chemicals,
over half (60%) contained at least one of the chemicals tested for.
Over 150, 2011-model car seats were tested for bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers); lead; other heavy metals, and allergens. These substances have been linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Heat and UV-ray exposure in cars can accelerate the breakdown of these chemicals and possibly increase their toxicity. Babies are the most vulnerable population in terms of exposure, since their bodily systems are still developing and they spend many hours in their car seats.
"Car seats save lives. It's absolutely essential that parents put their children in them while driving, regardless of the rating a particular seat received at HealthyStuff.org," said Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center's Research Director. "However, our research shows that some car seats contain more harmful chemicals than others. HealthyStuff.org makes it easier for parents to research the best car seat for their child."
The site, which also has comprehensive data on toxic chemicals in toys, cars, home improvement products and more, allows users to look up the best- and worst-scoring car seats with respect to toxic chemical content. Anyone looking to buy a new car seat, or wondering how their child's current car seat compares to others, can visit this site and search by model, or comparison shop between different models or years.
"This study is yet another example of how our country's major chemicals law -- the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 -- is flawed and fails to protect children from hazardous chemicals," said Andy Igrejas, Director of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition. "Databases such as HealthyStuff.org can provide consumers with valuable information, but reforming our federal regulatory system so that harmful chemicals don't end up on the market in the first place is long overdue."
Most Toxic 2011 Car Seats:
- Infant Seat: Graco Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black & Graco SnugRide 30 in Asprey
- Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set & Britax Marathon in Platinum
- Booster Seat: Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal & Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Mist
Least Toxic 2011 Car Seats:
- Infant Seat: Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay & Combi Shuttle 33 in Cranberry Noche
- Convertible Carseat: Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer, Safety 1st OnSide Air in Clearwater, and Graco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe
- Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders
Other brands tested in 2011 include: Alpha Sport, Baby Trend, Clek, Compass,
Dorel Juvenile Group (Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Maxi-Cosi, Safety First), Evenflo,
Fisher Price, Harmony Juvenile, Orbit Baby, Peg Perego, Sunshine Kids, Teutonia
and The First Years.
While there are numerous substances in car seats that can lead to health and
environmental problems, the Ecology Center selected those with known toxicity,
persistence, and tendency to build up in people and the environment. These
chemicals include:
Bromine: Associated with the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which are added to plastics for fire resistance. Some BFRs have been associated with thyroid problems, learning and memory impairment, decreased fertility, and behavioral changes. A recent peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology found a majority of baby products tested, including car seats, nursing pillows and baby carriers, contained chemical flame retardants either associated with adverse health effects or lacking adequate health information. Although fire retardants in foam are necessary to meet certain fire-safety standards, non-halogenated fire retardants are available, and many have a better safety profile. Brominated flame retardant chemicals that are either deemed toxic or that lack adequate health safety data were detected in 44% percent of the 2011 car seats tested. (NOTE: HealthyStuff.org did not test for all hazardous flame retardants, particularly chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs), and seats may contain other chemical hazards).
Chlorine: Associated with the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widely used in plastics and is of concern to the environment and public health during all phases of its life cycle. PVC contains chemicals called phthalates, some of which have been associated with decreased fertility, pre-term deliveries, and damage to the liver, testes, thyroid, ovaries, kidneys, and blood. There is also evidence that phthalates can pass from mothers to babies through the placenta and through breast milk.
Lead: Lead is sometimes used as an additive in plastics. Exposure can lead to a number of potential health effects, including brain damage, learning disabilities, and problems with the kidneys, blood, nerves, and reproductive system.
Other: Other chemicals tested as part of HealthyStuff.org include antimony, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel and tin. The substances in this category are allergens, carcinogens, or cause other adverse health impacts depending on the concentrations and exposure levels.
Since 1997, researchers at the Ecology Center have performed over 20,000 tests for toxic chemicals on 7,000 consumer products. The family of HealthyStuff.org sites have attracted 1.5 million unique visitors and over 20 million page views. To sample these products they use a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device, which identifies the elemental composition of materials in less than 60 seconds without destroying the product.
The Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety and HealthyStuff.org are now asking the largest car seat retailers, Graco and Evenflo, to take leadership to disclose and phase out hazardous chemical flame retardant additives. Consumers are encouraged to sign our petition to Graco and Evenflo at HealthyStuff.org.
For a complete list of car seat rankings and chemical composition visit www.HealthyStuff.org.
# # #
* Hi-Res Photos and Detailed Test Data Analysis Available Upon Request *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12:01am, May 18, 2011
Toxic Chemicals Pervasive in Baby Products
New Study Finds Hazardous and Untested Flame Retardants in Products Made for Infants and Children
Health and Consumer Advocates Call on Product Makers to Reject Unnecessary Chemicals
(Washington, D.C.) – A study of products designed for newborns, babies, and toddlers – including car seats, breast feeding pillows, changing pads, crib wedges, bassinet mattresses and other items made with polyurethane foam – – found that 80% of products tested contained chemical flame retardants that are considered toxic, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology Journal. Other retardants discovered had so little health and safety data on them it is not possible to know their effects at this time. The same flame retardants found in some of the products are also found in children’s bodies and widely dispersed throughout the environment and in food.
The new study analyzed 102 products for the presence of halogenated flame retardants. Interior foam samples were tested from nursing pillows, baby carriers, car seats, changing table pads, high chairs, strollers, bassinets, portable cribs, walkers, changing pads, baby carriers, sleeping wedges, baby tub insert, bath slings, glider rockers, and other essential child care items. Samples were submitted from purchase locations around the United States.
Study results:
Consumer Advocates and Environmental Health Groups single out an antiquated California regulation, Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117), as the reason for widespread use of flame retardants in baby products. Many product manufacturers make their products so that they can also be sold in California. Those that use polyurethane foam in their goods must meet TB 117. This results in population-wide exposure to dangerous, unnecessary flame retardants.
Baby products purchased outside California may still be treated with hazardous flame retardants. Because of California TB 117, Americans everywhere are subject to chronic exposure to toxic or untested chemicals. Findings from the new Baby Product testing study reveal that many products purchased outside California carry a TB 117-compliant label and many are treated with chemical flame retardants. Products that contain polyurethane foam and are sold in California almost certainly carry those chemicals.
The Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety, a new national network of health, consumer, and environmental groups, is calling for a modernization of California TB 117 in light of new scientific, health, environmental, and fire toxicity information about chemical flame retardants. They are calling for urgent action on this public health issue.
"The sensible way to prevent fires is not to subject the entire population to an indoor air experiment with carcinogens and other toxics," said Kathy Curtis, campaign coordinator for the Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety. "Companies should make products without flame retardants for all of the other states that haven’t adopted California’s costly and outdated TB 117 rule. Research shows the addition of flame retardants to meet this standard doesn’t prevent fires. Moreover, when products with these chemicals do burn, they make the smoke far more toxic. Product makers should switch to inherently flame-resistant materials, make design changes or use less toxic chemical ingredients so fire fighters and victims of fire are better protected when these materials burn."
Mike Schade, from Center for Health Environment & Justice also with ATFFS, said, "Many retailers, including Wal-Mart, are not waiting for government regulations to make changes. The Washington Post has reported that Wal-Mart informed its suppliers and customers it will no longer carry products with certain harmful flame retardant chemicals."
"Toxic or untested flame retardants like the ones found in this study can migrate out of products and end up in our homes and our bodies. These chemicals are associated with adverse human health effects including reduced IQ, increased time to pregnancy, endocrine and thyroid disruption, and impaired child development," says Arlene Blum, PhD, a co-author of the study and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. Blum’s early research contributed to the removal of Tris flame retardants from children’s pajamas in the 1970’s. Blum says, "I was surprised to find Tris back in high levels in the foam in baby products."
"Scientific research increasingly links some of today’s growing health problems with exposure to the types of halogenated flame retardant chemicals found in these baby products," said Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, MPH, assistant professor at University of California San Francisco School of Medicine and senior scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council. "Lowered IQ, reproductive problems --including the time it takes to get pregnant and sperm quality-- and abnormalities in male baby genitalia have all been linked to flame retardant chemical exposure. If this wasn’t concerning enough, only a small number of flame retardants have undergone safety testing. We need federal reform of our chemical policy laws to ensure the chemicals we bring into our homes are safe."
According to Environmental Health News, researchers have found that U.S. adults have 20 times more of the flame retardant chemicals in their bodies than Europeans. Household dust tested in two areas of California had 200 times more brominated flame retardants than European homes. A recent study found that low income Mexican-American school children in California are apt to have 7 times more PBDE flame retardant chemicals in their bodies than Mexican children of the same age. The 7-year old Californians tested had more of the chemicals in their bodies than almost all people tested worldwide. Only Nicaraguan children living or working on hazardous waste sites have higher levels. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report that over 90% of the U.S. population carries PBDE flame retardants in their bodies.
Three corporations produce halogenated flame retardant chemicals: Albemarle, Chemtura, and Israeli Chemicals, Ltd. Chemtura’s product, Firemaster 550, exemplifies how new chemicals enter the American market. Chemtura Corporation first marketed Firemaster 550 in 2004 as an environmentally friendly replacement for pentaBDE, which was subject to a national phase-out that same year due to health concerns and, notably, which had been grandfathered in as ‘safe’ - without supporting data - when the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976. When the notice of manufacture was filed with the Environmental Protection Agency for Firemaster 550, EPA did not require pre-market testing of the chemical. Instead, EPA relied on the manufacturers own determination of safety. They also approved Chemtura’s confidentiality request for the two main ingredients in Firemaster 550, even though company test data showed the ingredients were a "high hazard concern" for both short-term and long-term ecotoxicity, meaning they could cause damage to fish, invertebrates or algae if they got into the water. Since then, Firemaster 550 has been found in house dust in Boston and in sewage sludge and wastewater plants in California, as well as baby products sold across America.
Halogenated flame retardants added to fabric, to foam used in furniture and other products, to carpet padding, and to electronic equipment, also create more smoke and soot when these materials smolder or burn than do materials without these chemicals. And the smoke is deadly. First, inhalation can be deeply damaging to lungs. Fire fighters wear protective gear, but gear may not always function as intended. Second, intense smoke can be disorienting and disabling, making it impossible for fire fighters and building occupants to reach safety when surrounded by dense smoke and soot.
Smoke can also carry toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide, a deadly gas, and dioxins and furans, produced when chlorinated or brominated flame retardants burn. Dioxins and furans are some of the most toxic substances known, and have been associated with certain cancers, including soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, adult-onset leukemia, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, bladder cancer and stomach cancer. These chemicals are also associated with chloracne, cardiovascular disease, diabetes II, thyroid dysfunction and immune suppression.
Firefighters have a higher incidence of heart disease, lung disease, and cancer compared to other workers. Getting chlorinated and brominated flame retardants out of their working environment could help reduce their chances of becoming ill.
The fire safety benefits of adding flame retardants to meet the TB117 flammability standard are questionable. According to Vyto Babrauskas, the author of Fire Behavior of Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses, (William Andrew Publishing, Norwich NY 2001), the only textbook ever written on furniture flammability, TB117 is "so weak that it does not achieve any useful fire safety purpose." TB117 tests bare foam’s resistance to a small flame. But the foam in furniture lies beneath a layer of fabric. The fabric will ignite first and by the time the flame reaches the foam, it is too large for the chemicals that meet TB117 to have an effect.
Alternatives to organohalogen flame retardant chemicals include using less flammable materials, design changes, and safer chemicals. Stronger electrical codes and modernized building and fire codes, as well as increased use of smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and self-extinguishing cigarettes, will all continue to help prevent fires without using toxic chemicals. These measures plus an overall decrease in cigarette smoking in the U.S. have helped reduce fire deaths by 60% since 1980, making increasing use of chemical flame retardants unwise and unnecessary.
Available for Interviews
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Jeff Gearhart, Ecology Center, 734.663.2400 x117. Jeff has experience with flame retardant product testing, and is research director of HealthyStuff.org
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Arlene Blum PhD, co-author of study, Executive Director and Founder, Green Science Policy Institute 510.644.3164, Arlene@GreenSciencePolicy.org.
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Kathy Curtis, Policy Director, Clean New York 518.708.3922 (cell) 518.355.6202 (home office) clean.kathy@gmail.com http://www.clean-ny.org
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Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, staff scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, 415.875.6126, sjanssen@nrdc.org. Dr. Janssen can address health effects linked to flame retardant chemicals exposure.
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Sonya Lunder, MPH EWG Senior Scientist, Environmental Working Group, volunteered product sample for study contact Alex Formuzis, 202.667.6982, alex@ewg.org
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Judith Robinson, study volunteer and mother of two young children. Associate Director, Environmental Health Fund 802.251.0203, jrobinson@environmentalhealthfund.org
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Martha Dina Arguello, Executive Director, and Ana Mascarenas, Policy and Communications Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles (PSR-LA), 213.689.9170, marguello@psrla-la.org and amascarenas@psr-la.org. Martha and Ana can address efforts in California state legislature, and impacts on communities of color.
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Bobbi Chase Wilding, Organizing Director, Clean New York, National Workgroup for Safe Markets, volunteered product sample for study, 518.708.3875 Clean.bobbi@gmail.com, also mom of kindergartner and infant.
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Mike Schade, Center for Health, Environment and Justice. National Workgroup for Safe Markets 212.964.3680 ormike@chej.org. Mike can address flame retardants and retail markets.
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José V Cárdenas, MD-MPH, Senior Policy Fellow, Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, American Nurses Association , 301.628.5138, jose.cardenas@ana.org. Dr. Cardenas has had over twenty years experience in environmental health issues. He is available as bilingual resource.
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Andy Igrejas, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, contact Margie Kelly, info@saferchemicals.org, 541.344.2282
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Cindy Luppi, Co-Director, Clean Water Action New England, 617.338.8131 x 208, cell 617. 640.2779 cluppi@cleanwater.org
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Kristen Welker-Hood, ScD, MSN, RN, director of Environment and Health Programs, Physicians For Social Responsibility, 202.667.4260 x 244 kwelker-hood@psr.org
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Mia Davis, Clean Water Action, Co-Coordinator, Workgroup for Safe Markets 617.338.8131 ext 201 miadavis@cleanwater.org
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Pamela J. Miller, Executive Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, pkmiller@akaction.net, 907.222.7714.Pam can address chemicals drifting north and contaminating Arctic people and wildlife.
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Sharyle Patton, Director, Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center, 415.878.0970, 415.686.4857. Sharyle is an expert on biomonitoring and chemical exposure issues.
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Vytenis (Vyto) Babrauskas, Ph.D., Fire Science & Technology Inc.425-222-9499 - vyto@me.com - Dr. Babrauskas can address fire science and the overstated messaging on flame retardant chemical benefits.
Resources
Identification of Flame Retardants in Polyurethane Foam Collected from Baby Products, Environmental Science & Technology Journal on-line, May 18,2011
"Toxic Chemicals in Baby Products" and fact sheets on specific chemicals and other studies: The Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety: http://www.toxicfreefiresafety.org
Other Recent Studies
Halogenated flame retardants: do the fire safety benefits justify the risks? Rev Environ Health 2010 Oct-Dec; 25(4):261-305.Shaw SD, Blum A, Weber R, Kannan K, Rich D, Lucas D, Koshland CP
Study Documents PBDE Flame Retardants Levels in Children, Environmental Health Perspectives, April 13, 2011
Prenatal Exposure to Flame Retardant Compounds Affects Neurodevelopment of Young Children Environmental Health Perspectives April 2010
Breast milk contains flame retardants with exposure patterns similar to phased-out PBDEs, Environmental Health News, February 24, 2011
Tetrabromobisphenol-A, hexabromocyclododecane and its degradation products in UK human milk: Relationship to external dose.Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, M, and S Harrad. 2010. Environment International
Butter Contaminated by PBDE Flame Retardant, Science Daily, Dec 07, 2010
San Antonio Statement on Flame Retardant Chemicals, Environmental Health Perspectives, Oct 28, 2010. 200 scientists world-wide calling for ban of class of halogenated flame retardant chemicals
End Notes
Halogenated Flame Retardants: Bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine are the elements in the chemical group known as halogens. Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants are halogenated chemicals that are supposed to inhibit or resist the spread of fire and are added to polyurethane foam products made for infants and children to enhance the flame retardancy of those goods. However, in studies of building contents, those treated with halogenated flame retardants resisted igniting by only a few additional seconds compared to those without flame retardants. Moreover use of flame retardants causes an increase in the toxicity of fires by increasing the release of carbon monoxide, smoke, soot, and toxic gases and chemicals such as dioxins and furans.
Residential fire and flame death rates in the U.S. and California 1981-2005. Trend data and linear regression lines are shown /299/. Prepared by California Department of Public Health, EPIC Branch.
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