June 2021 Spotlight
Because of support from people like you, Clean and Healthy New York had a photo finish this legislative session. In case you missed anything, we'd love to share the great news and highlight some next steps we can all take to keep our hot streak going. 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.
We must reduce the dangers of fire-retardant chemicals
Chemicals added as so-called flame retardants in upholstered furniture and other products burn, and when they do, they emit a toxic smoke that scientists have linked to occupational cancers tragically common to fire fighters. Every day, those added chemicals leach into our homes, threatening children's health. In the Long Island Herald, Senator Todd Kaminsky urges his colleagues to pass the Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act (S.4630B/A.5418B). The bill has passed both chambers of the legislature and now awaits the Governor's signature. Read more
New report finds PFAS in 65% of period underwear...
PFAS are a class of compounds that can cause cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, low sperm counts, interference with immune response to vaccinations, and more. In spite of that, the chemical industry promotes their use in all sorts of products to resist water and stains. A new independent report found PFAS chemicals in 65% of period underwear (used instead of pads or tampons), where the chemicals have an especially direct route to be absorbed through the skin. New York has already banned PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam, and a new bill is pending in New York (S.6291/A.7063) to ban it from clothing. Read more
...and another finds the forever chemical in half of all commonly used cosmetics products
In a new study published last week, researchers at the University of Notre Dame tested 230 common cosmetics and found fluorine - an indicator of PFAS - in 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products, and 47% of mascaras. Because we use cosmetics in sensitive places, PFAS present in products can very easily enter our bodies. PFAS chemicals do not biodegrade; once they're in a human body, they are not eager to leave. Read more
New York takes big leap in eliminating lead from school drinking water
The American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, and CDC all agree: there's no safe level of lead exposure. Yet in 2016, 82% of New York schools tested found at least one drinking water source that had lead above the state action level. This session, the state legislature passed a monumental bill (S.2122A/A.160B) to address the crisis by lowering the action level, increasing the testing frequency, increasing filtered water, and much more. NRDC Senior Attorney and Lead Free Kids New York member Joan Matthews unpacks the legislation and explains why it's so important that the governor sign it into law. Read more
State lawmakers pass bill to expand water testing
Four years ago, New York codified the Emerging Contaminant Monitoring Act to fill gaps in US EPA regulations by requiring the NYS Department of Health to create and update a list of emerging contaminants that all water utilities are required to test for. This session, New York passed legislation (S.1759A/A.126A) to move the ball further, instructing the Department of Health to add 40 more chemicals to the testing protocol, including 1,4-dioxane and many PFAS chemicals. Read more
Clean and Healthy New York advances broad policy and market changes to promote safer chemicals, a sustainable economy, and a healthier world. If you enjoy our monthly Spotlight, please consider making a donation today.
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