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Rep. Perone: CT House Passes Ban of Cadmium in Children's Products
April 30, 2010, StamfordPlus.com
Connecticut currently bans packaging and packaging components that use cadmium from being sold or used for promotional purposes. However, the law is silent when it comes to using the same chemical in the actual products. Today’s bill (HB 5314) specifically bans cadmium in jewelry made for children under age 12.
Read full story here.
House Passes Cadmium Ban
April 30, 2010, YourCT.com
State Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) announcedthat the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that will prohibit the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of children’s jewelry that contains cadmium.
Read full story here.
Does Connecticut make the grade?
April 18, 2010, Ken Dixon, CT Post / Stamford Advocate/ Danbury News Times
"It's been 40 years since the Clean Water Act was passed in Connecticut and we still don't have a law regulating chemicals in consumer products," said Sarah Uhl..."
Read full article here.
Healthy Growth Environment
Erika Correa, April 13, 2010, Letter to Editor, Journal-Inquirer
I would like to bring your attention to a bill in front of our legislators. HB 5130, “The Child Safe Products Act,” will help eliminate children’s exposure to toxic chemicals. This bill is imperative to the health of our community.
Read full letter here - by subscription only.
For a ‘Greener’ Connecticut
Susan Eastwood, April 12, 2010, Letter to Editor, Journal-Inquirer
There is a bill being considered by the General Assembly that would bring “green jobs” to our region, promote safe workplaces, and reduce the use of toxic chemicals that are increasingly linked to the rising incidence of numerous chronic diseases.
Read full letter here - by subscription only.
Protect Children
Rev. Ron Sala, Stamford
April 9, 2010, Letter to Editor, Stamford Advocate
As a Unitarian Universalist, two important commitments of my faith (shared with people of many faiths) are respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Read full letter here.
Protect Children
Rev. Ron Sala, Stamford
April 9, 2010, Letter to Editor, CT Post, Bridgeport
Reform could reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals, improve our health, and lower the cost of health care. However, a federal bill has not yet been introduced and, with enormous pressure from chemical companies to make only small tweaks around the edges, we need states like Connecticut to demonstrate what the real solutions look like.
Read full letter here.
Protect Children
Rev. Ron Sala, Stamford
April 9, 2010, Letter to Editor, Danbury NewsTimes
We need state government to proactively move toward phasing out substances when there is credible evidence of harm to health, at least in the products used by children.
Read full letter here.
Connecticut Building on its Toxic Hazards Record
April 6, 2010, Public News Service CT, Hartford
The Environment Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly has approved a bill that would move beyond the state's success in addressing concerns about individual chemicals, such as bisphenol-A, which was banned last year from baby bottles and other plastic containers. Read and listen to full story here.
Legally Green
March 8, 2010, Conntact.com
As the country operates under a 35-year-old set of requirements for use of toxic substances, the shouting from health advocates is getting louder.
Read full story here.
Lawmakers may restrict cadmium in children's jewelry
March 29, 2010, Paul Hughes, Waterbury Republican-American
State lawmakers are considering restricting the use of cadmium in children's jewelry because of the heavy metal's health risks.
Read full story here.
Connecticut can take lead in banning toxins
Rev. Ed Cornell, New London
March 27, 2010, Letter to Editor, New London Day
As a parent and now grandparent of two, I am always concerned about the safety of the toys and products we give children. Cadmium is a known carcinogen and has no business being used in children's toys and jewelry.
Read full letter here.
It's only right to take toxins out of toys
Nory Oakes, Voluntown
March 19, 2010, Letter to Editor, New London Day
Let's get real about federal limits for toxic products those lobbyists would rather you didn't know about.
Read full letter here.
Toxic Toys Targeted
March 16, 2010, Chase Carnot, NH Independent
The Environment Committee approved a bill Monday that would help reduce the number of toxic chemicals in children’s toys available in Connecticut.
Read full story here.
State Lawmakers Pushing for Ban on Cadmium in Products for Kids
March 13, 2010, Ted Mann, The New London Day
State lawmakers are pressing for new restrictions in the use of potentially dangerous chemicals in products for children, including cadmium, a toxic heavy metal used in trinkets and jewelry.
Read full story here.
Our nation's toxic chemical policy: Time for a little sanity
March 12, 2010, Katharine Dalton Curtin, Danbury NewsTimes and Stamford Advocate
I grew up in Danbury, famous for its thriving hat-making industry and notorious for its "Mad Hatters." As anyone growing up in Danbury knows, the hat factories used mercury nitrate to make felt hats, and as a result many workers suffered from...
Read full article here.
Lawmakers Pushing To Ban Cadmium
Dangerous Chemical Found In Jewelry
March 12, 2010, WFSB Hartford, CT
Some charms and accessories for children may seem harmless, but those items could contain a dangerous chemical element.
Read full story here.
Watch video here.
Coming clean on cleansers: NY legal case seeks details on what's in products
February 8, 2010, Jennifer Peltz, Hartford Courant
Exactly what's in floor cleaner? What's stain remover made of? And what effects, if any, might they have on human health or the environment? Environmental advocates want to know...
Read full story here
Letter to Editor in Response to "Household Chemicals Linked to Reduced Fertility"
February 4, 2010, Letter to Editor, Willimantic Chronicle
Thank you for your article “Household Products can Affect Fertility”, Chronicle January 27, 2010. It’s important to understand that PBDE exposure reaches right into our homes and daily lives. PBDEs are neurotoxins and have also been linked to learning and developmental disabilities. Children’s exposure levels are 300 times greater than adults’...
Read full letter here
Pregnant women and families with young children warned about Bisphenol A (BPA)
January 29, 2010, Department of Public Health, StamfordPlus.com
The Connecticut Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Consumer Protection (DCP) are advising pregnant women and families with young children to be aware of dietary sources of bisphenol A (BPA) and...
Read full story here
Household chemicals linked to reduced fertility
January 27, 2010, Shari Roan, LA Times, Reprinted in Willimantic Chronicle
A new study finds that a decreased likelihood of pregnancy is linked to flame-retardant chemicals found in foam furniture, electronics, fabrics, carpets and plastics.
Read full story here
Conn. lawmakers, activists look to limit toxins
January 17, 2010, Hartford Courant AP story
A coalition of activists and state legislators in Connecticut is launching a new legislative campaign to reduce toxins. The move comes after Connecticut last year became the first state to ban the chemical Bisphenol-A, BPA, from infant formula, baby food containers and a range of reusable food and drink containers...
Read full story here
Health workers tested for chemicals
October 8, 2009, Ed Stannard, New Haven Register
A Yale University doctor and a nurse from MidState Medical Center are among 20 health professionals in 10 states who were found to have a variety of potentially dangerous chemicals in their bodies, according to a study released Thursday...
Read full story here
Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Health Care Workers
October 8, 2009, Jeff Kurz, Record-Journal
A Study Released Thursday shows that, of 20 doctors and nurses tested across the nation, all of them have toxic chemicals in their bodies...
Read full story here
Blood Tests Show High Toxin Levels
October 8, 2009
Watch WTNH video
Governor Rell holds BPA bill signing ceremony in West Hartford
August 11, 2009
Watch WTNH video
CT first state to ban BPA
June 5, 2009, Jill Bodach, Norwalk Hour
Connecticut became the first state in the nation to ban the chemical bisphenol A from infant formula and baby food cans and jars on Thursday. The legislation also bans BPA from reusable food and beverage containers. Read full story here
Bill banning plastic-hardening chemical passes
May 21, 2009, Ken Dixon, CT Post
The Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would ban the use of a controversial plastic-hardening chemical called bisphenol-A in children's products and reusable drink containers.
Read full story here
Conn. Senate votes to ban BPA in food containers
May 21, 2009, Hartford Courant AP Story
The Connecticut Senate has voted to ban the sale of plastic baby bottles, food containers and cups containing Bisphenol-A, a chemical that some scientists consider a health threat.
Read full story here
Connecticut calls for 'green cleaning ' in schools
May 19, 2009, Stephanie Reitz, AP News Times
Environmentally friendly maintenance products and "green cleaning" practices will soon be mandatory in all Connecticut public schools.
The state Senate unanimously approved a bill Tuesday requiring school districts to adopt "green cleaning" methods...Read full story
BPA Ban Stalls In Senate
May 18, 2009, Mark Davis, WTNH-TV
A proposal to ban the controversial chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) from baby bottles and other containers appears to have stalled in the state Senate. It got easy passage from several legislative committees and the House of Representatives but is now encountering an intense lobbying effort. Watch video here
Blumenthal calls Bisphenol-A ban constitutional
May 16, 2009 Hartford Courant AP Story
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says a legislative proposal in Connecticut to phase out the chemical Bisphenol-A from certain food and drink containers is constitutional.
Read full story here
Industry Challenging Connecticut Bill Banning Items Containing BPA
May 15, 2009, Alaine Griffin, Hartford Courant
The battle over the potential dangers posed by a common chemical used in plastic containers is heating up at the state Capitol. A bill that would ban products containing bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical that some studies suggest might be harmful to infants, passed the House of Representatives last month 128-14. Read full story
State representatives want ban on BPA in plastics
May 10, 2009, Greenwich-Post
State Reps. Livvy Floren (R-149), Lile Gibbons (R-150) and Alfred Camillo Jr. (R-151) supported legislation last week to ban products such as baby bottles and food containers made with the chemical bisphenol-A. Read full story here
Measure to Restrict BPA Moving to State Senate
May 6, 2009, Margaret Farley Steele, NY Times
Alex Bergstein, a mother of three living in Greenwich, replaced her family’s plastic water bottles with stainless steel a few years ago after becoming concerned about the chemical bisphenol-A, which is used in many food and beverage containers. . Read full story
BPA ban passes House
April 29, 2009, Hartford Courant AP Story
The Connecticut House of Representatives has voted to ban the sale, manufacture or distribution of infant formula and baby food in containers made with Bisphenol-A. The bill passed on a 128-14 vote. It now moves to the Senate. Read full story here
Ban BPA
April 27, 2009 Letter to Editor, Hartford Courant
We are thankful to legislators for supporting legislation to phase out bisphenol-A in baby bottles and food containers...Read full letter here
Ask Johnson & Johnson to Live Up to Its “Pure” and “Gentle” Claims
April 24, 2009 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Johnson & Johnson is a household name in the US. Think about it: Did your parents put you in a bathtub with J&J products? Did the hospital send you home with J&J samples when you left with your newborn?
Well J&J is not as "pure" and "gentle" as the company promises. Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website to send a quick email to Johnson & Johnson letting them know that "a little bit of carcinogen in baby shampoo is OK" is NOT an acceptable stance! Click here to take action
Banning the substances that hurt our health
April 16, 2009, New Britain Herald Editorial
It’s interesting — but illogical — what we, as a country, decide to accept as safe and ban as dangerous. Take bottles containing BPA. Legislators at the state Capitol are mulling banning the sale of plastic baby bottles, food containers and cups containing a chemical that has been restricted in Canada. Read editorial here
State should ban harmful chemical
April 15, 2009, Connecticut Post Staff
The state is moving closer to banning a chemical common in household products that many scientists believe is harmful. It's a welcome move, and a sign the state is taking safety seriously. A chemical called bisphenol-A, or BPA, is commonly used to harden plastic...Read full story
Connecticut considers banning BPA in bottles, containers
April 15, 2009, Stephanie Reitz, Forbes.com
Connecticut moved a step closer Tuesday to banning the sale of plastic baby bottles, food containers and cups containing a chemical that has been restricted in Canada and that some scientists say is a health threat. Read the full report
Proposed Ban on BPA
April 15, 2009, Mark Davis, WTNH New Haven
A legislative committee has approved a proposal to ban all plastic baby bottles containing a controversial chemical. Bisphenol-A is used in all kinds of containers. But many now believe that long term exposure to it is harmful although the Food and Drug Administration claims it's safe.
Read the full story
State Considers Banning BPA in Bottles, Containers
April 14th, 2009, Carolyn Moreau, Hartford Courant
A giant baby bottle was inflated outside the LOB in Hartford on Tuesday by supporters of a bill that aims to ban BPA in baby bottles and other food...To view video coverage by Carolyn Moreau click here
BPA Ban *Video*
April 14, 2009, Shelly Sindland, Fox-61
Video coverage featuring interviews with Rep. Beth Bye and Attorney General Richard Blumentahl Click here to view the video
Group Endorses Plan To Ban BPA In Bottles
April 14, 2009, Eric Parker, WFSB Channel 3
Those who rallied at the Capitol Tuesday to protest using BPA in plastic products said the decision turned the rally into a celebration. Video and print story here
Bill To Ban BPA Moves Forward
April 14, 2009, Christine Stuart, CT News Junkie
The legislature’s General Law Committee moved forward a bill Tuesday that bans the controversial chemical Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, in all baby products, foods, and containers..Read the full article here
Reps Join Fight Against BPA
April 14, 2009, James Craven, New Britain Herald
Under the shadow of a 20-foot baby bottle, concerned citizens, lawmakers and environmental activists came together at Minuteman Park in Hartford Tuesday to voice their opposition to the use of a chemical thought to cause harm to adults and children..Read the full article here
Conn. considers banning BPA in bottles, containers
March 14th, 2009 Norwich Bulletin AP Story
A Connecticut legislative committee has endorsed a proposal banning the sale of plastic baby bottles, food containers and cups containing a controversial chemical. The substance known as bisphenol-A Read full story here
Green Cleaning Bill Passes Through Education Committee
March 16, 2009
HB 6496 AN ACT CONCERNING GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS passed the Education Committee unanimously this afternoon after lawmakers were assured that green cleaning is cost neutral. The bill would require all Connecticut public schools to implement a green cleaning program and utilize third party-certified greener products that are safer for human health and the environment.
Sunoco begins restricting sales of Bisphenol-A
March 12, 2009, Matthew Perrone, AP
Sunoco has begun restricting sales of a controversial chemical used in baby bottles and food containers that some researchers believe can harm infants. The move by the gas and chemical giant makes Sunoco the first manufacturer to acknowledge safety concerns about bisphenol-A, or BPA...Read more
Carcinogens Found In Baby Bath Products
March 12, 2009 Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Despite marketing claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to the March 2009 Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "No More Toxic Tub." Read more here
Leaders show support for environmentally-friendly cleaning program at Norwalk schools
March 11, 2009, Jill Bodach, Norwalk Hour
Sen. Bob Duff was at Brookside Elementary School Tuesday morning to support proposed legislation requiring school districts across the state to implement a "green cleaning" program. Read more.
Environment Committee Passes Bills to Phase Out BPA & PBDEs
March 6, 2009
HB 6572 AN ACT CONCERNING BANNING BISPHENOL-A IN CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS & SB 919 AN ACT PHASING OUT THE USE OF POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS were passed by the Environment Committee in today's vote.
AG Blumenthal Announces Six Baby Bottle Manufacturers Will Phase Out BPA
March 5, 2009 Office of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal declared a "public health victory" as he announced today that six baby bottle companies have agreed to stop using bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles. Read more.
Testimony in support of ban on BPA heard in Environment Committee
March 3, 2009, Mary E. O'Leary, New Haven Register
Much of the discussion was on use of bisphenol-A in children’s products from toys to baby bottles to the resins used to line cans of infant formula. Read the full article here.
Bills call for ban on plastic additive
March 2, 2009, Mary E. O'Leary, New haven Register
A number of legislators and environmentalists are pushing bills in the General Assembly that would ban a plastic substance found in many baby bottles, food containers and metal can liners. Read full story here
Hartford Courant Op-Ed on the Need to Ban Bisphenol-A
Friday Feb. 27th, 2009 Hartford Courant
In today's Hartford Courant Yale pediatrician and medical toxicologist Dr. Carl R. Baum outlined the reasons for CT legislators to pass legislation to phase out BPA. "I find even the possibility of risk to children from BPA exposure too great to ignore..." Read the full op-ed here.
Message in a BPA Free Bottle
January 27, 2009, Christine Stuart, CT News Junkie
The Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut was encouraging legislators Tuesday to support a bill, which would phase out the use of Bisphenol A in baby bottles and other children’s products. Read more
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