Toxic Chemicals

From before we are born until the time we die, we are repeatedly and regularly exposed to toxic chemicals with the potential to seriously harm our health. Toxic chemicals can be found in our homes, schools and workplaces – in products we use on a daily basis. We're fighting at local, state, and federal levels to fix our chemical laws and find safer alternatives to the chemicals in everyday products.

PFAS foam on shoreline
Michigan

Urge the U.S. Air Force to Clean Up Michigan PFAS Pollution

For decades, toxic PFAS pollution, known as the forever chemicals, were used in firefighting foam at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan.

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Recent Actions

Massachusetts

Massachusetts legislators: Take action now to turn off the PFAS tap!

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals that are toxic at very low levels, causing testicular and kidney cancer, high cholesterol, colitis, and immunosuppression, including reduced response to vaccines.

Act Now
Minnesota

Ask the Minnesota Legislature to Ban PFAS in Food Packaging

Hazardous chemicals like PFAS don’t belong in our food packaging!

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Virginia

Urge the Virginia General Assembly to Take Action on PFAS in Drinking Water

Clean Water Action and our allies have led efforts during this year’s General Assembly session to address toxic per and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances by pressing for legislation to study the occurrence of these chemicals in Virginia’s public drinking water, and to address sources of human exposure.

Urge the Virginia General Assembly to Take Action on PFAS in Drinking Water
California

Get toxic PFAS out of food packaging!

McDonalds is doing it. Taco Bell is doing it.  Whole Foods is doing it. New York and Washington States are doing it.

Take Action!

Related Toxic Chemicals Topics

Toxic Chemicals Publications

Toxic Chemicals Blog Posts

MA_PFAS_Water_Blog by Ben
Living with PFAS in the Water
June 21, 2021

97% of Americans already have traces of PFAS in their blood, making it clear that this is an issue that everyone has a stake in. Drinking clean water is a basic human right. Whether it is you, or someone you love that is in the 97%, we must all take action today.

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chemical plant
Testimony Opposing "Chemical Recycling" A5803
June 14, 2021

Statement by Maura Toomey, Zero Waste Organizer for Clean Water Action before the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee Opposing A5803

June 14, 2021

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this bill. Clean Water Action strongly opposes A5803, which would exempt plastic material processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from solid waste and recycling regulations, and urges the bill’s sponsor Assemblyman McKeon to pull this bill.

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MD-mosquitos-canva
Minimizing Mosquito Exposure (without pesticides!)
May 2, 2021

Mosquito season is upon us yet again! There are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes without relying on mosquito spray programs. While pesticide spray programs may seem like the best choice, they do pose health and environmental risks even when used as directed. Synthetic pyrethroids can worsen respiratory symptoms, organophosphates are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, and these pesticides are toxic to bees, pollinators, and other beneficial insects (as well as birds, fish, and amphibians - natural predators of mosquitoes!).

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