![]() She hopes the early introduction of the bill will give it a better chance of crossing the finish line this session. “And we're talking about something that is predominantly - or at least disproportionately - impacting people of color.” “Because we are talking about toxics that people are ingesting every day when they get their daily use products,” Mena said. She wanted to bring that lens to all the work she does as a first-year legislator, especially to ongoing issues. Mena said that as a Mexican American and federal affairs liaison at the state Department of Ecology, she is passionate about environmental justice and equity. It was the first bill heard by the house Environment and Energy committee this session. She pre-filed the legislation in December. Instead, she wants the state to ensure they’re removed from store shelves. “You know, I don’t think folks should have to be a toxicologist to go shopping for their personal care products,” she said. Mena said items like these should not be available in Washington. “So, you know, the very the product that had the very highest levels of formaldehyde is the one that was used on my daughter,” Schreder said. Schreder was shocked to learn one of the products tested was a styling gel used at the salon where they go to get her hair done. The high rate of toxics found in a number of the products came as a surprise to many people, including Schreder of Toxic Free Future. The products tested were chosen in consultation with community members and groups familiar with popular brands and items. But the state kept the ball rolling by funding the Department of Ecology’s study of personal care products marketed to people of color. Sharlett Mena, a freshman Democrat representing Tacoma’s 29 th legislative district and the prime sponsor of the legislation.Ī similar bill died in the Senate appropriations committee last year. And there's no reversing that,” said Rep. “These toxics, some of them have lifelong impacts. Exposure to them can lead to health issues ranging from allergic reactions to infertility and cancer. Other toxics covered by the bill include the “forever chemicals" known as PFAS as well as phthalates. Lead exposure causes myriad health problems including brain and kidney damage and can be fatal. ![]() “Now that we have this data, showing clearly that products sold in Washington, marketed to people of color, have chemicals like formaldehyde and lead, it really shows the urgency of our legislature acting to end this disproportionate exposure, ” said Erika Schreder, science director with the nonprofit Toxic Free Future, which supports the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, HB1047.įormaldehyde is a known carcinogen. ![]() The findings are fueling renewed efforts to ban a list of hazardous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care items sold in Washington. Nike Speed 7/8 Running Tights Reflective Leggings. One dark-tint foundation also contained arsenic. It found lead in two dark-powder foundations and one lipstick. ![]() A new report from the Washington State Department of Ecology found formaldehyde in 26 of 30 body lotions tested in a study of products marketed to people of color. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |