environmental health
Petition for safe water and PFC clean-up
The drinking water of over 67,000 Minnesota residents is contaminated by toxic chemicals known as PFCs. Three types of PFCs (PFOS, PFOA, and PFBA) pollute the municipal water systems and private wells of eight communities in Minnesota, the Mississippi River and the Chain of Lakes, and six separate states around the country.
Clean Water Action Campaign Victories in Connecticut
Since 1998, Clean Water Action has won a number of legislative and regulatory victories.
2008
Lead Levels in Children's Products Restricted
Clean Water Action and allies in the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut turned back intense opposition from big chemical companies, the toy industry, and dozens of in-state retailers and recently won new legislation to phase out toxic lead and asbestos in children's products.
Chesapeake Newsletter, Summer 2008
In this issue:
- Maryland: Donna Edwards Victory Brings Another Environmental Champion to Congress
- Virginia: Polluters Foiled In Attempt To Eliminate Citizen Boards
- District of Columbia: Independent Testing for Lead in D.C. Tapwater
- Delaware: Discharge Permit for Indian River Power Plant
Get the complete newsletter (pdf, 550 kb)
Ask the EPA to add the BoRit Asbestos Site to the Superfund List
On September 3rd, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the addition of the BoRit Asbestos Site, located by the Wissahickon Creek at the intersection of Whitpain Township, Upper Dublin Township and Ambler Borough, to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL).
Chesapeake Newsletter, January-February 2008
In this issue:
- A Flawed Energy Bill Passes
- Virginia: Protect Citizen Review
- Maryland: Annapolis Session Kicks Off
- Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund
- Global Warming Solutions Act
- Put the Brakes On The Inter-County Connector
- Delaware: Another Recycling Battle In Dover
- District of Columbia: Phosphate Ban Proposed In The District of Columbia
Get the full newsletter (pdf, 36 kb)
Michigan Summer 2008 Newsletter
Stories in this issue:
- Energy Campaign to Pressure Senate
- House Passes Legislation to Protect Kids; Fate in Hands of the Senate
- Progress, But Not Final Victory for Michigan’s Water in 2008
- Former Michigan Director Promoted to Head National Communications Department
- Former Clean Water Action Staffer Jennifer Alvarado Heads Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Get the Summer 2008 newsletter (pdf, 2.1MB)
Tell Gov. Schwarzenegger to Take The Next Step on Green Chemistry
Help make sure California has a strong Green Chemistry Initiative
Did you know that there are approximately 80,000 chemicals in commercial use but that for most of them, we have done little or no testing for their potential health or environmental impacts? As a result our household cleaners, garden chemicals and pesticides, personal care products, computers, clothes, food, and even our beds may contain chemicals about which we have little safety information.
While not all chemicals are harmful and many provide important benefits, there is growing evidence linking chemical exposures over time to health impacts such as cancer, reproductive harm, neurological disorders, and respiratory disease.
Restrict the Use of Lindane
Please take action to support HB 4569 to protect children and the Great Lakes from lindane, a pesticide that is banned for use in 53 countries and is no longer used in the U.S. on pets, in agriculture, or in the military.
Currently, lindane can be applied directly to children's heads or bodies in Michigan to treat head lice or scabies. HB 4569 would allow use of lindane only in a doctor's office under a doctor's direct supervision. HB 4569 passed the House by a more than 2 to 1 margin (72-35) with bi-partisan support and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Health Policy Committee, chaired by Senator Tom George.
Stop the Next PCBs!
PBDEs - flame retardants that are rapidly accumulating in our bodies and the Great Lakes - are toxic to animals and may threaten our own health. HB 4465 would phase-out deca-BDE, the only remaining commercial polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) not yet banned in Michigan, in certain products for which effective, safer, affordable alternatives are already in use.
To protect Michigan's children, our firefighters, and the Great Lakes, Michigan needs to pass HB 4465 immediately. Please e-mail your representative today!
Learn more or take action now by personalizing the message to your state representative.
Commonly Asked Questions about PFCs
Is my water contaminated by PFCs?
Eight communities had their drinking water contaminated by PFCs. If you live in Lake Elmo, Oakdale, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, South St. Paul, Invergrove Heights or Newport, your water may be contaminated. See PFC Contaminated sites in Minnesota for a list of affected communities and the water impacted.
Will these chemicals harm my health?
There have been many toxicological studies on the health effects of certain PFCs. Two types of PFCs, PFOA and PFOS, can cause birth defects, weakened immune system and hormone disruption. Less is known about another PFC, PFBA. Visit Human Health Effects of PFCs for more information.
