January 2022 Spotlight
We hope you are on track with your New Year’s Resolutions! 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.
Governor Hochul Signs the Family and Fire Prevention Act Into Law
This new law bans toxic chemicals as flame retardants in furniture, bedding, and, for the first time in the US, electronic display cases. From Chemical and Engineering News “New York’s law addresses ‘hundreds of toxic versions’ of chemically similar flame retardants in one fell swoop, Bobbi Wilding, executive director of the advocacy group Clean and Healthy New York, says in a statement. This is an improvement over the state’s past actions ‘knocking them off one at a time,’ with manufacturers simply substituting a related compound, with similar toxicity, for a banned chemical.” Read more from the CBS 6 Albany coverage.
PFAS Where You Least Expect It: Workout Edition
New testing finds PFAS in 25% of the 32 pairs of workout leggings tested. This both highlights an unexpected use of PFAS, and evidence that many companies make PFAS-free versions of the same product. Mamavation, a website dedicated to identifying safer and less safe products based on the presence of toxic chemicals, has also identified PFAS in carpet padding, period underwear, personal care products and more. .
Health, Area Officials Call for Increased State Funding through the “PREPARE Act”
The New York Association of County Health Officials and allies are calling for increased resources, as much existing capacity has been devoted to addressing the Covid pandemic. The PREPARE Act, among other things, would increase support to help lead-poisoned children and advance prevention measures. “New York State needs a significant infusion of resources to end lead poisoning at the source, and to identify and care for children who already suffer.” Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York, noted. Read more
PFAS Mapping Shows Widespread Contamination
A map showing where the highest concentrations of PFAS are will hopefully aid researchers, doctors, and activists in their efforts to indicate why some health issues are present. PFAS is an invisible and tasteless chemcial that can cause cancer, harm development, and induce several health issues. The map shows numerous known and suspected PFAS-contaminated sites in New York State. Read more
Good News: Indonesia’s Womangrove Collective Reclaims the Coast from Shrimp Farms
A group of women in Indonesia are helping to replant and replenish a mangrove that was once used for shrimp farms. They have been restoring dozens of hectares of mangroves for six years now. Indonesia has lost half of their mangroves in the past 30 years. These are important habitats for many, stabilize shorelines, and have a plethora of benefits. Read more
Like to party? Clean and Healthy New York will be hosting its 15th Anniversary virtually on October 27th. Join us in honoring leaders in environmental health and justice and celebrating another remarkable year. You can sign up here.
Building a just and healthy society in which toxic chemicals are unthinkable.
69 State St. Suite 1400C
Albany, NY 12207
518-641-1552
info@chny.org
www.chny.org