Ecology Center - Working for a safe and healthy environment where people live, work and play

From the Ground Up Newsletter

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Mary Beth Doyle
Environmental
Health Fund

The Ecology Center is a Michigan-based nonprofit environmental organization that works at the local, state, and national levels for clean production, healthy communities, environmental justice, and a sustainable future.

News:

February 16, 2010:
Book Signing & Toxic Toy Testing

Join the Ecology Center for a book signing event and free testing for toxic chemicals in children's products on February 16th. Authors Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie will be signing their though provoking book, "Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Dangers of Everyday Things," on Tuesday, February 16th at the downtown Borders Bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI. Chat with the authors, enjoy some local refreshments, and bring some toys to be tested for toxics for free with our XRF testing device. Download more information>>

January 27, 2010: Michigan House Overwhelmingly Passes Ban on Toxic Flame Retardant

Following the recommendations of the state’s leading medical, health, and environmental organizations – as well as fire fighters – the Michigan House nearly unanimously passed HB 4699 (94-6), which would phase-out the toxic flame retardant deca-BDE. This long awaited bi-partisan vote follows on the heels of a voluntary agreement to end the manufacture, import, and sale of the chemical between three major manufacturers of deca-BDE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Read more>>

January 21, 2010: Reductions in Toxic Chemical Exposure Would Make Michigan Healthier, Wealthier, New Report Finds

Evidence is strong and growing that chemical exposures contribute significantly to the rise in many chronic diseases, according to a new report synthesizing peer-reviewed science released today. “The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act” finds that Michiganders and all Americans would be healthier if exposure to toxic chemicals was reduced. Michiganders could conservatively save over $150 million annually in health care costs.

2009 Research Finds 1 in 3 Toys Still Contain Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, or Mercury

Lead Decreasing While Other Toxic Chemicals Persist, Finds Third Annual Consumer Guide at www.HealthyStuff.org

According to researchers at HealthyStuff.org, who have tested more than 4,000 children's products over the past three years, lead has been steadily decreasing in toys. In fact, the number of products with lead exceeding current federal standards for lead in toys (300 ppm) decreased by 2/3 (67%) since 2007. However, one in three of all toys tested (32%) this holiday season still contained one or more harmful chemical including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Read more>>

Take Action!

Take ACTION to Protect Children's Health!

Ask your your state Senator and Chairman George to support the Michigan "Children's Safe Products Act!"

Michigan Doesn't Need More Coal!

Press Releases

"Body Burden" Study Reveals Toxic Chemicals in Michigan State Rep & Prominent Pediatrician

10/8/09 - The first national study of the toxic chemical "body burden" in health professionals found an array of hazardous chemicals in twenty doctors and nurses across the country, including state Representative Jimmy Womack, MD and the founder of MSU's Department of Pediatrics, Dr. William Weil.

New Study Finds Low-Carbon Fuels Policy Essential to Michigan's Leadership Role in Breaking America's Oil Addiction

9/8/09 - By redirecting even a portion of the over $14 billion that leaves our economy each year to import petroleum products, Michigan could become a leader in developing and using sustainable homegrown fuels and advanced battery technologies.