August 2021 Spotlight
We hope you've made the best of the last few days of summer! Below is Clean and Healthy New York's monthly newsletter to spotlight the latest science, policy developments, and media coverage that sheds light on the state of environmental health in New York, the US, and abroad.
New study links breast cancer to hair relaxers
A new study found that women who used hair relaxer products at least 7 times a year for 15 or more years had a 30% increased risk of developing breast cancer. The study joins a large body of research indicating alarming toxics in black and brown women's hair products: previous studies showed Black women using permanent hair dye had a 45% higher breast cancer risk than their white counterparts. New York State’s Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Act (S.3331/ A.143) would require companies to remove the most harmful chemicals from cosmetics and disclose all intentionally added ingredients, as well as byproduct and contaminant chemicals of concern. Read more
EPA bans the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos
This month, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would ban the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in food production, a sweeping move that advocates estimate will eliminate more than 90 percent of its use in the US. A dangerous and widely used pesticide, chlorpyrifos is often applied to corn, soybeans, apples, broccoli, and asparagus. New York State's Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.699B/A.7429) would take one step forward by banning neonicitinoids ("neonics") - a common pesticide with similar concerns. Read more
Sunscreen Recalled for Carcinogen Traces
Johnson & Johnson has recalled 5 of its aerosol sunscreens after finding traces of cancer-causing benzene. Long term exposure to the chemical can cause leukemia and other cancers. Because benzene is not a chemical used in the sunscreens, this episode highlights the importance of banning harmful chemicals from products entirely - regardless of whether they are "intentionally added". Read more
Biden’s plan to eliminate lead pipes
Experts estimate that somewhere between 9 to 12 million lead service lines threaten the health of residents in all 50 states. Considered by many a solved issue, lead continues to poison children across America, causing developmental and behavioral problems, dementia, cardiovascular diseases and death. No level of lead exposure is safe, so it's important that we address this issue urgently and nationwide. New York's own bill addressing lead in school drinking water (S.2122A/A.160B) awaits Governor Hochul's signature. Read more
Black and Latinx Hairdressers Exposed to High Levels of Phthalates
A pilot study is the latest evidence that women of color are disproportionately impacted by chemicals from hair care products. Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals, and their exposure is linked to serious health problems that include birth and reproduction problems, impaired brain development, diabetes, and cancer. This is another reason we advocate for the passage of the Safe Personal Care and Cosmetics Act. Read more
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