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Last month Ecohaus hosted a community event focused on toxins in the home with the Washington Toxics Coalition. Attendees brought household products, especially toys, to be tested for toxic chemicals during a presentation by WTC representative Jim Dawson. Serving bowls, baby dolls, legos, and more were all tested with the XRF analyzer, a hand held device that can detect heavy metals, toxic flame-retardants, and PVC plastic. The items were given back to their owners with a tag listing any problematic compounds that were found. For example, an old yellow plastic block tested positive for cadmium, which, according to the WTC website, is associated with developmental deficiencies, including delayed sensory-motor development, hormonal effects, and altered behavior.
Jim Dawson gave a presentation on the problem of toxic chemicals in consumer products – including tips on how to can avoid bringing those chemicals into the home. He also talked about the efforts being made on state and national levels to address this problem.
Products were tested with an XRF analyzer, a hand held device that can detect heavy metals, toxic flame-retardants, and PVC plastic.
Washington Toxics Coalition has been working for over 28 years to protect public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution. WTC promotes alternatives, advocates policies, empowers communities, and educates people to create a healthy environment. WTC’s accomplishments include passing the nations strongest standards for toxic chemicals in children’s products and passing a first in the nation ban on toxic flame retardants in consumer products. Visit them online at www.watoxics.org.
WTC’s latest campaign in Olympia has been focused on a proposal to ban the hormone-mimicking chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and other products for children. You can read more about this campaign, and the issues surrounding BPA here.
This community event was rounded out with Lynn Colwell, author of “Celebrate Green” and a display of the toxin-free offerings of organic baby clothier Kate Quinn Organics.
