FDA expresses "some concern" over BPA
Posted on Jan 15, 2010 Today the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an update to its position on BPA (bisphenol-A), the toxic chemical that we are exposed to through baby bottles, sippy cups, infant formula and food can linings and many other sources.
FDA states that there is "some concern" about the safety of BPA for humans, and that they will work with other agencies to conduct further research. In conjunction with the FDA announcement, the US Department of Health and Human Services posted tips for parents to minimize children's exposure (such as to dispose of scratched or worn baby bottles).
The agency was criticized by its own science review panel for its 2008 determination that products containing BPA were safe but the new announcement says, Read more...Experts and advocates testify at Safer Alternatives Bill Hearing
Posted on Nov 10, 2009 On Monday November 2nd the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow turned out in force for a hearing on the Safer Alternatives Bill at the Massachusetts State House. The hearing was held by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture with Chairmen Representative William Straus and Senator Anthony Petruccelli presiding.
The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow organized a powerful lineup of experts and advocates to testify in support of the bill. Those who testified came from a wide array of constituencies and areas of expertise including business, labor, those affected by illnesses linked to toxic chemicals, faith communities, scientists, economists, environmental and public health advocates, parents, and more.
Read more...Governor issues Environmental Purchasing Executive Order
Posted on Nov 10, 2009 Thanks to an executive order issued by Governor Deval Patrick on October 27th, from now on the Massachusetts state agencies will be using their purchasing power to purchase products and services that are less toxic and more environmentally sustainable. The executive order directs the executive branch office and agencies to "...reduce their impact on the environment and enhance public health by procuring Environmentally Preferable Products and services (EPPs) whenever such products and services are readily available, perform to satisfactory standards, and represent best value."
This is a long awaited victory for the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow. Since 2007 we have been pressing the governor for specific policy proposals to reduce toxic chemical use in Massachusetts, including in the area of state purchasing.
Read more...CT first state to ban BPA in food cans, MA still lagging
Posted on Jun 10, 2009 Last week, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill that made Connecticut the first state to ban the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) from infant formula and baby food cans and jars, as well as the full range of reusable food and beverage containers! The BPA bill passed with only one vote cast in opposition. It was truly a bipartisan victory!
Now two Republican Governors, in Connecticut and Minnesota (did not include baby food cans), have signed laws banning BPA in children's products. The people of Massachusetts deserve the same protection as the people in these states. We don't even need to pass a law! So it should be much easier to do in Massachusetts.
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More News on BPA
Posted on May 21, 2009A new study released online on May 12th, 2009 in the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives tested the urine of 77 Harvard students for bisphenol-A (BPA) who drank cold beverages from polycarbonate beverage containers.
The study found that one week of polycarbonate bottle use increased urinary BPA concentrations by two thirds. Thus, regular consumption of cold beverages from polycarbonate bottles is associated with a substantial increase in urinary BPA concentrations irrespective of exposure to BPA form other sources.
Why is this important?
Read more...The Safer Alternatives Bill
Posted on Feb 13, 2009
The Safer Alternatives Bill, An Act for a Competitive Economy Through Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals, is sponsored by Representative Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington) and Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton). It will create a pragmatic and flexible program in Massachusetts to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, wherever feasible.
In this economy, the bill is needed more than ever. The Safer Alternatives program will help Massachusetts businesses stay competitive on the global market which is rapidly moving towards a demand for safer products and services. The program will be funded by a fee on toxic chemicals brought into the state primarily by out-of-state firms.
Read more...Help Protect Children from BPA
Posted on Jan 19, 2009
We should be able to trust that products in our stores are safe!
Sign the Petition to Governor Patrick Today!
Aren't all consumer products safe?
The short answer is NO! Toxic chemicals are in widespread use in common household products. For example, many baby bottles, water bottles, and other products contain BPA, or Bisphenol A. BPA is linked to obesity, early onset puberty, breast cancer, low sperm counts, hyperactivity, depression and other health effects. In scientific studies, BPA-exposed animals have altered development of the male and female reproductive tracts, mammary tissues, the immune system, fat tissue, and the thyroid.
Read more...The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Posted on Jan 5, 2008
Did you know that in the United States no government body regulates the safety of cosmetics and that personal care products companies don't have to test ingredients or products for long term health effects like cancer or reproductive problems?
While over 1,100 ingredients have been banned from personal care products in Europe because of health concerns the U.S. has banned only 10.
Many of the chemicals in products we use on our skin every day are linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, developmental problems and more.That's why the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow is part of the nationwide Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC).
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