Our Health, Our Environment News

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Coalition Calls On State And Federal Lawmakers To Take Action

BOSTON—Safer alternatives exist for many toxic chemicals widely used in Massachusetts, according to a new report released today by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow. The report titled “Unnecessary Harms,” released by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, a coalition of citizens, scientists, health professionals, workers and educators seeking preventative action on toxic hazards, details the availability of safer alternatives to ten commonly used toxic chemicals.

The report found that in many instances, chemicals banned in Europe for years are still in use in Massachusetts. The phthalate DEHP used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics is found in homes across Massachusetts in flooring, wall coverings, furniture, children’s toys and cosmetics. Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in many plastic products to improve flexibility and in personal care products to bind fragrance to the product. These chemicals have been linked to premature birth, spontaneous abortion and heart, kidney and ovary damage. The European Union banned DEHP in all childcare items and toys and the EU Cosmetics Directive banned the use of DEHP in cosmetic products. In contrast, the US has no enforceable standard for phthalates in children’s toys – only a 1986 voluntary agreement between the Toy Manufacturers of America, now the Toy Industry Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission not to use DEHP in pacifiers, rattles and teething rings.

“Europe is leading the way and already taking steps to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives,” said Jen Baker, MASSPIRG environmental policy associate and author of the report. “Massachusetts citizens deserve the same protections.”

The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) called on the state and federal government to shift chemicals policy towards a preventative approach to toxic chemicals. The report urged the state government to act on the growing evidence that some chemicals pose dangers to human health and work to replace these toxics with safer alternatives, starting with the “toxic ten” outlined in the report. According to the report, where safer alternatives are not available, the government should focus on researching alternatives for the future substitution of other toxic chemicals; support and promote solutions that create a healthier environment and protect public health and safety; and require greater accountability of chemical manufacturers and users to provide a reasonable assurance of safety of chemicals being used.

“This report is yet another reminder that we continue to place ourselves and our children at unnecessary risk,” said Baker. “With safer alternatives available and already in use for all of the chemicals reviewed, it is unreasonable to continue subjecting ourselves to these harmful chemicals.”

In addition to DEHP, the report documents the known health effects of nine additional chemicals, identifies some of their most common uses, provides examples of safer alternatives for each of them and highlights companies leading the way with alternatives. The other nine chemicals are: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D), dioxins and furans, formaldehyde, hexavalent chromium, lead, organophosphate pesticides, perchloroethylene, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and trichloroethylene.

“Currently, chemicals are considered safe until proven otherwise with action rarely taken until after harmful effects are verified and widespread,” said Baker. “The Massachusetts government must instead prioritize the health and safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens and adopt a preventive approach to toxic chemicals.”

Specifically, in Massachusetts, the coalition is working to pass legislation, which would phase out the toxic ten and require the use of safer alternatives. The bill, S. 553/H. 1286“An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts,” addresses the growing concern that a range of illnesses and disabilities are linked to exposure to toxic chemicals.

“Preventing the cumulative damage to our health and families caused by these toxic chemicals is one of my top priorities,” Representative Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington), the House sponsor of the bill said. “It is unconscionable to allow this level of human suffering to continue when we know there are safer alternatives.”

An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts initially targets ten of the worst toxic chemicals commonly used in Massachusetts. It would mandate a careful process to evaluate alternatives to these chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives where feasible. When a safer alternative is not currently available, the bill would stimulate research and development on new technologies and solutions.

“We have an opportunity to work collaboratively to promote safer alternatives,” said Senate sponsor Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton). “By eliminating hazardous chemicals we protect our health, our environment, and our economy. We cannot afford to leave toxic chemicals unaddressed.”