BPA In Paper Money

It turns out that the cash in your wallet may be contaminated with the dangerous chemical BPA.  A recent study by Safer Chemicals Healthy Families and the Washington Toxics Coalition found that BPA (a widely used chemical that causes genetic damage, miscarriages, birth defects and acts like a hormone) is present in paper money.  Water bottles, baby bottles and sippy cups just a few years ago were almost all made from BPA-containing plastic (although many are now BPA-free). The linings in food cans often contain BPA.  Now we have to deal with BPA contamination in an item that we literally touch multiple times a day.

Reducing chemical exposure could save California $700 million

State and Federal reform of toxics law would make Californians healthier, wealthier 

OAKLAND–Cash-strapped California could save at least $700 million in health care costs if more stringent state and federal chemical policy helped reduce Californians’ exposure to toxic chemicals.

A new analysis released today,“The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act,” finds that the state has the opportunity to prevent rising rates of chronic disease and therefore reduce health care costs. Evidence is strong and growing that chemical exposures contribute significantly to the rise in many chronic diseases, according to this new report synthesizing peer-reviewed science and economic analyses.

Report Reveals Need to Regulate Nanomaterials

The chemical by chemical approach of addressing toxics in products has left many chemicals and new materials, such as nanomaterials, relatively unregulated and unchecked. 

A report released by CHANGE member Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, “Regulating Emerging Technologies in Silicon Valley and Beyond,” exposes the many gaps in environmental and safety information available to the public and regulating agencies. Although these materials have not been thoroughly tested, they are being widely introduced in products, ranging from sunscreen to solar panels.