Moving toward a healthier, more sustainable environment requires making safer, greener chemicals and producing new and existing chemicals in ways that are safer for humans and wildlife. This report is a first step in what clean water fund cwf hopes will be a. Toxic chemicals are in our everyday surroundings, including household products, food and water. By taking the safer chemicals challenge, hospitals receive mentorship, howtoguides, casestudies, a peertopeer. This is due to several recent significant chemical accidents, increasing public awareness and skyrocketing liability and accident costs. That campaign asks the nations top retailers to identify and take action to address products they sell that contain any of the listed chemicals. To protect public health, laws must be changed to require better health data on chemicals, to eliminate the worst chemicals and untested chemicals, to protect communities at highest risk and to provide incentives for the development of new safer chemicals. By clicking accept below, you acknowledge receipt of these new policies. Chemical linked to breast cancer found in skin care introduction would you put teflon on your face. Health care climate footprint report health care without harm. Nurses safer chemicals toolkit health care without harm.
A new study finds 95 percent of tested baby foods contain toxic chemicals that lower babies iq, including arsenic and lead. Using the guide to safer chemicals use internally to benchmark current performance, identify areas of improvement, and track progress integrate into environmental management system use externally to explain and report on corporate performance and progress 4. Our safer chemicals program harnesses the purchasing power, expertise, and voice of the health care sector to move the market toward environmentally safer products and technologies and pushes the leading edge of innovation through market campaigning. Governor lamont is telling connecticut residents to stay safe, stay home. The health case for reforming the toxic substances control act l 3 this report is the result of a collaborative effort by members of the safer chemicals, healthy families coalition, a new nationwide effort to adopt smart federal policies that protect us from toxic chemicals. We often talk about why the timing of exposure matters and why cumulative exposures matter. Vaping has many dangers and is considered a public health concern. The health wyze report is the online division of health wyze media, covering the topics of politics, alternative health care, complementary medicine, nutrition, faith, and big pharma. Leo trasande is a leading voice in public health policy and a top environmental medicine scientist. At the campaign for safe cosmetics, we make it a top priority to provide you with information on exposure to toxic and untested chemicals in personal care productsfrom shampoo to makeup to fragrances. The links below provide access to complete the electronic or paperbased forms.
Whos primary role is to direct international health within the united nations system and to lead partners in global health responses. The interstate chemicals clearinghouse ic2 is an association of state, local, and tribal governments that promotes a clean environment, healthy communities, and a vital economy through the development and use of safer chemicals and products. Home health, safety and environment forms welcome to the forms and publications resource page. Bigger us studies now underway attempting to fill some of the data gaps will report between 2017 and 2019. It is one of the worst holidays we can imagine because its the anniversary of the accidental invention of the first nonstick chemical that would eventually become teflon in 1938. Did you know some antiaging creams and face powders use the same chemical that creates a nonstick surface on cookware to create a smooth finish to makeups and lotions. Clean production actions greenscreen for safer chemicals helps companies and governments move to safer substitutes for hazardous chemicals. All nonessential workers are directed to work from home, and social and recreational gatherings of more than five are prohibited.
This statement presents the position of the american academy of pediatrics on pesticides. In the first nationwide tests for brominated flame retardants in dust swiped from computers, the computer takeback campaign ctbc and clean production action cpa found these neurotoxic chemicals on every computer sampled. The increase in ecigarette use, particularly among young people, is a dangerous trend with real health risks. Table 3 summary of lead testing and reporting policies.
Harmful chemicals used in some health care products are linked to a range of health impacts. Pesticides are a collective term for chemicals intended to kill unwanted insects, plants, molds, and rodents. They have also been conducted under chemical action plans. Hhi has a real impact on the health and safety of patients, staff and communities. Cdc report on human exposures to environmental chemicals. Safer chemicals, healthy families were a national campaign working to protect american families and the environment from toxic chemicals. Qualitative research was conducted during march 2014 and this research provided indepth information and insights about attitudes and behaviours relating to health and safety in new zealand and on how best to communicate with the four highrisk sectors regulated by worksafe nz. Campaign for safe cosmetics and environmental working group not so sexy. The safer chemicals, healthy families coalition releases a. Hazardous chemicals in health care physicians for social. The health first roadmap is a dynamic tool which provides specific guidance to cleaning products manufacturers on how to choose safer ingredients and ensure the chemical safety of their products. Design for the environment alternatives assessments safer.
If the global health care sector were a country, it would be the fifthlargest greenhouse gas emitter on the planet, according to health cares climate footprint. Clean production action clean production action designs and. Industry spokespeople often claim its just a continued. Potential health effects of toxic chemicals in feminine care products by alexandra scranton, november 20 the author is grateful to the many people who contributed to this report. Guide to choosing safer products and chemicals implementing chemicals policy in health care may 2008 authors. Hospitals can create a healthier environment by using safer. Defending our chemical safety law in 2016, we helped get a badly needed update to the decadesold federal law.
Today is national teflon daybut that is not cause for celebration. Epa uses sound science to develop ways to help produce safer chemicals and regulate harmful substances. Safer jobs and a sustainable economy through green chemistry. Dec 03, 2015 many of these chemicals have been shown to have a lasting negative effect on individual health, public health and the environment. Protection agency epa the authority to regulate industrial chemicals not covered. Report detailing the results of a pilot project to test for and reduce lead in drinking water at child care facilities. A discussion paper as deftly described in a pediatrics technical report, children are uniquely vulnerable to uptake and adverse effects of pesticides because of developmental, dietary, and physiologic factors. Getting harmful chemicals out of our food were working to make food safer by strengthening policies and working with retailers and grocers to remove hazardous chemicals.
Consumption of hazardous chemicals european environment agency. As health care and other large institutions are addressing these problems, leading industries are getting the message. Transitioning to safer chemicals in the workplace can also contribute to creating products that are less hazardous for consumers and for the environment. Why is it so difficult to choose safer alternatives for. Where companies rank on the road to safer chemicals. Needs and best practices on chemical safety and security.
Safer chemicals, healthy families was fortunate to have. At womens voices for the earth wve, we believe that everyone, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or gender, deserves to live in an environment free of toxic chemicals that may give them cancer, cause infertility and birth defects, or cause health problems for future generations. It is fully transparent and openly available for anyone to use. It is a handson guide that charts pathways to safer chemicals in products and supply chains for brand name companies, product manufacturers, archi. Joint statement from clean production and the agency on use. Gathering chemical information and advancing safer chemistry. Online actions to make personal care products safer. Toxic consequences trumps attacks on chemical safety put our health at risk. Pesticide exposure in children american academy of. The chemicals found in baby food arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are neurotoxins that can permanently alter the developing brain, erode iq, and affect behavior. The environmental working group published the first compre hensive report in 2008. Transitioning to safer chemicals occupational safety and.
The campaign for safe cosmetics works to eliminate dangerous chemicals linked to adverse health impacts from cosmetics and personal care products. Cleanmed, the premier conference for leaders in health care sustainability, is may 79 in san diego. The health case for reforming the toxic substances control act. Reducing our kids exposure to toxic lead americas toxic legacy of lead continues to threaten childrens health. This document presents a report on the economic features of chemical leasing. Environmental defense fund is a nonprofit, taxexempt charitable organization, identification number 116107128.
Transitioning to safer alternatives can be a complex undertaking, but a variety of existing resources make it easier. Johnson, and hewlettpackard m o v i n g b u s i n e s s t o w a r d s a f e r a l t e r n a t i v e s. Were working to protect health by reducing exposures to these substances. In a newly published book, he reveals the alarming truth about how hormonedisrupting chemicals like phthalates and flame retardants are affecting our daily livesand what we can do to protect ourselves and fight back. Chemicals and toxics topics environmental topics us epa. Safer chemicals research fact sheets safer chemicals.
Take action for safer chemicals health care without harm. Exposure occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. We have changed our terms of use and privacy policy as of may 25th, 2018. Guide to safer chemicals version a the guide to safer. Needs and best practices on chemical safety and security management executive summary this report is a summary of information provided by member state focusing on existing or needed tools, guidance, and best practices in the area of chemical safety and security management including those related to chemical industry and laboratories. Understanding the impacts of pesticides on children. One of my favorite parts of my job as legislative director for the campaign is connecting real people with members of congress and their staffs putting a human face on our coalition and on the need to put public health front and center when we talk about reforming chemical policy. Making medicine mercury free pdf dioxin, pvc and health care institutions pdf reducing pvc use in hospitals pdf latex allergy in health care fact sheet pdf body burden studies. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products safe cosmetics. Chemicals are present in some health care products, furniture and fabrics. Safety evaluation of the general chemical richmond works facility final report to contra costa health services hazardous materials program 4333 pacheco blvd. This gives businesses the opportunity to brand their company with a new, green and innovative image. Design for the environment dfe alternatives assessments are conducted as risk management actions when warranted for tsca work plan chemicals. Guide to safer chemicals version a the guide to safer chemicals.
This report documents some of the scientific findings and economic analysis underlying this position. The safer chemicals, healthy families coalition believes that, by reforming tsca, exposure to toxic chemicals can be reduced, the nations health will improve, and health care costs will decrease. You may need a pdf reader to view some of the files on this page. Safer chemicals, healthy families saferchemicals on. Naidenko, phd, sean gray, ms, and jane houlihan, msce. Scientists have developed a process called alternatives assessment to identify, compare, and select safer options to chemicals of concern, with a primary goal of reducing harm to human health and. Lautenberg of new jersey introduced federal legislationthe safe chemicals act of 2011which would. Us manufacturers continue to look for safer flame retardant technologies to enhance their product stewardship efforts, and usepa is working with industry under the tsca new chemicals program. Safety is becoming an increasingly important activity in the chemical industry. Harmful chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, asthma and other health problems.
Agency on use of greenscreen for safer chemicals in the report on environmental and health screening profiles of phosphorous flame retardants danish epa environmental project no. In 20, the report for the world day on safety and health at work addressed the. How the health sector contributes to the global climate crisis and opportunities for action, a report by health care without harm in collaboration with arup. Establishing a chemical management system that goes beyond simply complying with osha standards and strives to reduce or eliminate chemical hazards at the source through informed substitution best protects workers. Who makes the billions of pounds of toxic chemicals flowing. Nov 29, 2018 the 11 % decrease in the total tonnage consumption of hazardous chemicals may have been partly caused by a move to produce chemicals hazardous and nonhazardous outside europe oecd, 2012, as well as by some substitution of substances of high concern svhcs with safer chemicals, as also noted by eurostat eurostat, 2012. Greenscreen is a rigorous benchmarking tool for chemical hazard assessment that enables companies and governments to identify chemicals of concern to human health and the environment and to select safer alternatives. This study guide is intended to accompany the video series safety in the chemical. In a newly published book, he reveals the alarming truth about how hormonedisrupting chemicals like phthalates and flame retardants are affecting our daily livesand what we. A renewed focus on prevention a growing number of countries are now giving higher priority to osh and preventing accidents and.
Conclusion and recommendations safer chemicals, healthy. Create safer products for consumers and the environment. Because health, collaborative on health and the environment, health, karen wang, parenting, parents, products, safer products, tips. The elimination of toxic chemicals exposure is especially important because as u. Per and polyfluorinated substances in firefighting foam. The health first roadmap is designed as a guide for cleaning products companies to think more holistically about their chemicals management programs and their commitment to chemical safety. Women, health, and environment powerful voices for systemic. We want to give parents and teachers the option to choose school supplies that do not contain toxic chemicals. The hazardous chemicals in health care report is a very important and timely document that helps us understand the high risk of chemical exposure in health care and the steps that must be taken to reduce this risk. A national effort to protect families from toxic chemicals. Page 6 selecting safer alternatives to toxic chemicals and ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable nrdc in 1987 the seminal report toxic wastes and race in the united states.
The roadmap outlines key benchmarks and strategies from the square one of simple compliance, to the aspirational high road of a health first chemical. If you think vaping is a healthier, safer or better alternative to smoking or youre using ecigarettes to try to quit smoking, think again. It is the best opportunity each year to connect with those at the forefront of implementing sustainability goals including safer chemicals and products, green building design and. Selecting safer alternatives to toxic chemicals and. For many reasons, ecigarettes should not be promoted as a safe alternative to smoking. Hcwhasias library of files and media is carefully curated to give the public the necessary tools and info to make health care greener. Campaign for safe cosmeticsworking for safer cosmetics. Safer chemicals challenge hhi data collection the safer chemicals challenge requires data submission through the institute for health care improvements extranet site.
The purpose of the healthy interiors goal is to promote public and environmental health and help accelerate the transformation of the furnishings market to safer. Gathering chemical information and advancing safer chemistry in complex supply chains case studies of nike, s. Shopping guide, parents, teachers, and students can make more informed decisions while shopping for school supplies this back to school season. Women, health, and the environment powerful voices for systemic change womens voices. Documentation of chemicals present in health care personnel will increase awareness of chemical exposure among health care workers and. This report aims to better elucidate the extent to which such hazardous chemicals are in. Epa also provides information about specific chemicals and how you can protect yourself, your family and your community. Environmental protection agency epa administrator christie todd whitman has stated, childhood exposure to pesticides is an environmental health risk facing children today. Industry addiction to toxic vaping tough to break without final epa action. The california green chemistry initiative is unique and innovative. Public health professionals in the meantime may draw. By identifying and evaluating the safety of alternative chemicals, this approach. The healthier hospitals initiative is a call to action for hospitals to implement sustainability and environmental health innovations.
But that roselike fragrance in your perfume may be something else entirely, concocted from any number of the fragrance industrys 3,100 stock chemical ingredients, the blend of which is almost always kept hidden from the consumer. Che use of flame retardants in furniture ballooned after the 1975 implementation of californias technical bulletin 117 tb117, 4 which required foams used in upholstery to withstand a 12second exposure to a candlelike flame. Even with clear evidence of harm, it is extremely difficult to stop the use of a chemical. Enroll your hospital in the hhi safer chemicals challenge. This report explains how to make and implement a comprehensive chemicals policy in health care, to eliminate the use of toxic chemicals, creating safer workplaces, ecosystems, and communities, and reducing long term costs and liabilities. While fewer people are smoking or starting to smoke than ever before, many are using other forms of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Chemical related diseasesgaps in chemical regulationswhy we need new chemical. Epa uses alternatives assessments to look for safer chemicals.
Toxic chemical risk assessments to protect human health pdf february 2012. This report takes a detailed look at each states blood lead testing policies. Acute poisoning risks are clear, and understanding of chronic health implications from both acute. While critically important to public health, chemicals management has not yet reached the same level of corporate awareness as other critical issues such as. Martinez, ca 94553 january 6, 2003 mrs 3140 telegraph road, suite a ventura, california 93003 mrs. Healthy interiors introduction the healthy interiors goal is part of the safer chemicals challenge, one of six pillars of activity in healthier hospitals. Children encounter pesticides daily and have unique susceptibilities to their potential toxicity.
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