Mass moms join stroller brigade to demand protection from toxics
Local moms respond to increasing concerns over toxic chemicals found in consumer products, ask Congress for leadership
Boston--Today moms across the country organized local stroller brigades to demand increased protections from toxic chemicals. A local event in Boston featured moms and children asking Senators Brown and Kerry to be leaders in increasing protections for American families. Children were dressed in red capes asking the senators to “be their heroes” by taking leadership on the issue.
Defined as a “mom-led movement”, the quest for safer chemicals has gained traction among women of all demographics and political parties. Most recently the issue has gained celebrity spokespeople like actress and mother, Jessica Alba.
“As a mother of two, I feel the urgency of this problem on a personal level and want to see the country move forward with common sense controls on toxic chemicals,” said Erin Boles, Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, and cancer survivor. “Senators Brown and Kerry have an opportunity to be real leaders – our children are here today to be advocates for a healthier future.”
The moms are rallying behind a bill that would take meaningful steps to protect the American public from toxic chemicals. The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S.847), introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ) would increase chemical safety, inform consumers and the marketplace on chemical hazardous and protect vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children.
"New studies continue to emerge suggesting that toxic chemical exposures contribute to birth defects, learning disabilities, and other disorders, some from products most of us use every day in our homes and workplaces," said Michelle Gottlieb, Marblehead mother of 3, and member of the Marblehead Board of Health. "As a mom, I want the healthiest future for my children, and for all children. We can make real progress in preventing chronic diseases if Congress updates our laws -- our children deserve it."
“Only in the last six decades have we been inundating our bodies with thousands of chemicals whose safety is unknown, and not ever encountered before the twentieth century,” said Kristi Marsh, a breast cancer survivor and mother of 3 from North Easton. “I am a mom. A protector. I will do what I can. But I cannot do this alone. I need progressive leaders willing to stand up for my health, and our children’s health.”
Kristi’s daughter Kaytee, age 8, added, “The world would be such a better place without bad chemicals in household items such as liquid soaps, toys and foods.”
This fall a vote is possible on the Safe Chemicals Act (S. 847) in the Senate Environment and Public Works committee.
“American families need protections from toxic chemicals lurking in their household products. Today we’re asking Congress for leadership to give parents the peace of mind they deserve,” states Lindsay Dahl, Deputy Director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, a coalition of 280 public health, parent, environmental and community organizations and SAFER coordinated today’s events nationally. In Massachusetts the event was coordinated by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow. Actions will be taking place in 17 states including: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
