May 2021 Spotlight
We hope you are enjoying the warming weather! 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.
A ban on flame retardants will protect residents and firefighters
Flame retardants are harmful chemicals added to electronics, mattresses, sofas and more. They offer no meaningful fire safety benefit and are linked to cancers, thyroid disease, developmental disabilities, and other health problems. In the Albany Times Union, CHNY Executive Director Bobbi Wilding argues that the best way to protect fire fighters and families is to get rid of them altogether by passing the Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act (S.4630A / A.5418). Read more
Alarming levels of 'forever chemicals' found in US mothers' breast milk
A new study that checked American women's breast milk for PFAS contamination detected the toxic chemical in all 50 samples tested, at levels nearly 200 times higher than what NYS allows for PFOA or PFOS in drinking water. PFAS are a class of compounds used across large swathes of product sectors for their resistance to water and stains, and can cause cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, low sperm counts, and more. NYS has banned PFAS in fire fighting foam and food service ware, and has bills pending to ban it in personal care products (S.3331 / A.143) and clothing (S. 6291 / A. 7063) Read more
New report calls out greenwashing in crib mattresses
A new report from Clean and Healthy New York identified 10 major mattress companies that appeared to be engaging in various forms of greenwashing - the use of marketing claims to over-state or misrepresent a product or company's effort to be environmentally sound. The report discloses instances of behavior ranging from overstating the meaning of a certification to misusing terminology like "natural," "nontoxic," and "organic." Findings from the report have already served as the basis for an FTC complaint. Read more
Governor Cuomo announces $94 million for clean water systems and local drinking water infrastructure
Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has approved $94 million in grants, interest-free loans, and low-cost loans to support vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across New York State. The enacted budget for 22 adds $500 million for clean water, raising the state's total investment to $4 billion. Some of this funding can be used to replace service lines made with the heavy metal lead. Read more
Switzerland to vote on pesticide-free farming
Switzerland is holding a referendum that could result in a total ban on synthetic pesticides - a move that would radically shift how the country farms and gardens. Pesticides, which disrupt our ecosystems and can cause cancer, nervous system damage, birth defects, and more, have long had a controversial place in our agricultural system. In New York, legislation addressing popular noenicitinoid pesticides (S.699B / A.7429) is gaining steam. Read more
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