Protect our Health

We did it! Thanks to your support and directed efforts, the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut worked to pass a new state law restricting lead and banning asbestos in children's products.

Read our press release

Together, we turned back intense opposition from big chemical companies, the toy industry, and dozens of in-state retailers to win new legislation to phase out toxic lead and asbestos in children's products. Thanks to your support and directed efforts and Governor Rell's recent signing of the legislation, Connecticut is now one of a handful of leading states that have acted to safeguard children from these unnecessary substances found in some toys and other products. This action comes on the heels of heightened public awareness of the problem of toxins in everyday products, and the need for states to lead the way on modernized chemical safety policies.
This new legislation represents a strong first step toward safe children’s products, but unfinished business remains.  We need your continued support to fuel the next phases of our work to replace toxins with safer alternatives.  This session we came close to also phasing out two hormone disruptors added to certain plastic products: phthalates and bisphenol A.  We plan to work with the legislature on those chemicals again next year, and continue to call on our lawmakers to enact policies that protect all of us, including children, workers, and communities near polluting facilities.

As the European Union and other parts of the world surpass the U.S. on chemical safety regulations, Connecticut needs comprehensive new laws to ensure that our state does not become a dumping ground for toxic products that other countries don’t allow to be sold.
 
Passing comprehensive policies to protect our health takes grassroots power, and we are working to build the base we need to win. This year we sponsored over 40 forums and house parties on topics like green cleaning, safe cosmetics, and toxic toys. As we continue to win and get stronger, so does the opposition, so we invite you to join us and help us demostrate the need for smart changes. We also invite you to learn more by hosting a film showing or talk with your faith or community group, or inviting us to your home for a green cleaning or healthy spa party. To find out more about our campaigns and ways to get involved, contact Sarah Uhl 860-232-6322, suhl@cleanwater.org.                                    

  Take Action! Urge Governor Rell to Support Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals click here

It is never too early to call your state legislators to show your support on these issues which are sure to be brought up in the 2008 legislative session:

Innovation and Safer Alternatives in the Workplace   An  Innovation Institute will help Connecticut industries evaluate hazards in production and materials, and shift to safer alternatives. Starting with the 1,500 toxins identified for phase-out in the European Union, and then proceeding to the 30,000 substances the E.U. plans to phase out in the coming years, the institute will assist Connecticut businesses in assessing safer alternatives to toxic chemicals and transitioning to safer workplaces.

Call your state Senator and State Representative between 9-5PM
Don't know who your state legislators are?  Type your full zip code into www.vote-smart.org (upper left) or contact us.  For a full directory of all state legislators and committees, please visit www.cga.ct.gov.

When you call, expect to reach an aide or answering machine, and ask to leave a message supporting the bills listed above for Senator/Representative ________

To reach your Senator call 860-240-8600
To reach your Representative call 860-240-8500 

Please forward this announcement widely to friends, family, co-workers, and others in Connecticut!  We have a great opportunity this year to protect our children’s health from the toxic effects of lawn pesticides and cleaning chemicals used in schools and from overburdening Connecticut neighborhoods with polluting facilities.

Coalition supporters enjoy a moment in front of the Giant Ducky following a March, 2008 press conference and rally. (Photo by Roger Smith)