Background

In recent years, an expanding body of evidence has emerged that links toxic chemicals to increases in the incidence of many cancers, birth defects, reproductive disorders, infertility and reduced sperm counts, learning disabilities and many other diseases and disorders. In fact, the Collaborative on Health and the Environment released a report in 2004 that analyzed the state of the evidence on the connections between human disease and toxic chemicals which concluded that over 180 diseases and disorders are linked to chemical contaminants. Pregnant women and young children are most vulnerable to health damage from chemicals. Recent testing of newborn babies umbilical cord blood revealed an average of 200 chemicals, including pesticides and industrial pollutants, all while still in the womb.

More than 80,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced for use in the U.S since World War II. Yet very few of these have ever adequately tested for their potential impact on our health. These chemicals have become widespread in our air, water, food, everyday products, schools, workplaces-and therefore end up in our bodies to threaten our health. 

U.S. laws governing toxic chemicals have not kept pace with new science in this area, although the European Union and other countries have already adopted more health protective requirements for products.  In 2007 the E.U. will begin implementing new regulations on chemical substances used in manufacturing, with the goal of reducing over 30,000 toxic substances and phasing out 1,500 of the most toxic substances.  Connecticut companies wishing to sell products in Europe will need to eliminate their use of the high-hazard toxins.

Pesticides are a good example illustrating these broad problems. Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 have studies linking them with cancer, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 15 with neurotoxicity or abnormal brain development. There are safe, effective, affordable alternatives to using toxic lawn pesticides.  A number of towns in Connecticut have successfully switched to pesticide-free organic lawn care.

For more information on toxic chemicals in our everyday environment visit the Collaborative for Health and The Environment website: http://database.healthandenvironment.org/intro.cfm  or

REACH http://ecb.jrc.it/reach/