The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT)
A broad coalition in Massachusetts working to pass laws and policies that prevent harm to our health from toxic chemicals. Our top priorities are to create a groundbreaking program in Massachusetts to systematically replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives that are better for workers and the environment, and to compel the Massachusetts Department of Health to use its authority to protect the health of children and vulnerable adults from the toxic chemical bisphenol A. Please join the effort.
Mind the Store, Protect the Customer
Posted on Feb 27, 2014 With great market power comes great responsibility. Retailers hold the power to choose which products are available to consumers, and what ingredients go into store brand items. With a lack of federal regulation over toxic chemicals in consumer products, retailers have the potential to step in and screen their inventory, and by doing so have a large impact on improving public health and the environment. In support of pressuring retailers to take action, the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow coalition is excited to join other environmental and health organizations in joining the efforts of Mind the Store this spring.
Young advocates for safe cosmetics
Posted on Feb 18, 2014"Dear Retail Stores, Listen up!" urges 11-year-old Sophie Alcindor. After learning about the dangers of toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products at her after school program, Sophie decided to take action. In a letter addressed to major retailers, she expressed her desire for change:
"We all get it that you want to make money, but are [sic] this neck to neck competition really worth it. Can customers walk in and feel safe without having to feast valuable hours just to find good and safe products....Stop having dangerous products in your stores. If you would listen to the scientists or chemists telling you they are bad then maybe you would have more customers. Create a safe environment for the customers."
Read more...New Database Reveals Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics
Posted on Jan 29, 2014Did you know that retinol, the vitamin A supplement added to many anti-aging creams, is actually listed as a developmental toxin? Or that methyleugenol, commonly used for fragrance in a variety of personal care items such as lotions and shampoos, is a known carcinogen?
Earlier this month, the California Safe Cosmetics Program launched a searchable online database listing cosmetic products containing ingredients that are known to pose risks of cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This database is a result of the California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005, which requires that companies self-report a list of all products sold in California that are known or suspected to contain ingredients with the aforementioned health risks.
Autism and toxic chemicals: evidence of a link
Posted on Dec 13, 2013Autism rates have been rising exponentially, with a 600 percent increase over the past two decades. Today 1 in 50 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the U.S. every year. Research compiled by The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy explores recent reports that there may be more at play here than better diagnosis and genetics. There is growing evidence that there might be a correlation between environmental exposures to toxins, dietary factors and increased Autism rates, especially with prenatal and early life exposure.
ASD was previously considered purely a developmental disorder impairing communication and social interactions. It is now shown to cause physical factors such as intestinal problems, immune disorders and seizures. The increase in ASD and other developmental disorders are a huge cost to our society. The U.S. spends an average of $126 billion dollars each year on educational and medical services for people with Autism, which does not even include out of pocket expenses of families. Most of the resources devoted to ASD are being used for services and genetic research, and very few are dedicated to prevention through environmental and dietary factors.
Read more...Playing on Poison: Toxic Chemicals in Children's Furniture
Posted on Nov 20, 2013BOSTON—Independent testing commissioned by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), with support of the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, has released a report on harmful flame retardant chemicals found in children’s chairs, couches and other kids’ furniture purchased from major retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. A children’s chair purchased from Target in Kingston, Massachusetts was found to contain the toxic flame retardant TCPP. In response, advocates and parents are calling for the Massachusetts legislature to require that companies make safer products.
The products that were found to contain flame retardants were specifically marketed to children with colorful designs and popular children’s characters such as Dora the Explorer and Spiderman. It is well established by fire safety scientists that these chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, infertility and other health problems do not actually prevent fires.
