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.

How do your favorite retailers rate on toxic chemicals?
National

Tell retailers to take action on toxics!

Because of demand from consumers like you, retailers are taking unprecedented action to protect customers from toxic chemicals.

Act Now!

Recent Actions

Maryland

Fix the Pollinator Protection Act!

When we passed the Pollinator Protection Act in 2016, we didn't mean to leave a loophole - but there was one that's kept dangerous neonics on consumer shelves. Tell your reps to finish the job and pass HB208/SB375!

Fix the Pollinator Protection Act!
Virginia

Tell Virginia legislators: Take action to control and prevent toxic pollutants that threaten our health

Now’s the time to raise your voice on key restrictions on toxic PFAS chemicals in Virginia. Urge legislators to pledge their support for these toxic pollution prevention priorities this session:

    Tell Virginia legislators: Take action to control and prevent toxic pollutants that threaten our health
    National

    Tell Burger King: Stop making toxic trash!

    Our water shouldn't be contaminated for Whopper wrappers.

    Act Now!
    Minnesota

    Ask Your Minnesota Lawmakers to Reduce PFAS & Lead Exposure

    Though Clean Water Action has been encouraged by bipartisan efforts to pass coronavirus relief and a law banning certain trichloroethylene (TCE) uses, there are many other public health priorities that were left unfinished

    Take Action!

    Related Toxic Chemicals Topics

    Toxic Chemicals Publications

    Toxic Chemicals Blog Posts

    Image showing 3 passed bills discussed in the blog post, and a picture of the State House in Annapolis
    Victories and Defeats in MD's 2021 Session
    April 13, 2021

    Monday was the last day of Maryland's Legislative Session. Maryland has a 90 day legislative session - it runs straight from January to April. Once it ends, the legislature can come back via Special Session to vote on legislation or override vetoes, but those are not common. So, this concludes our chance to change state law in 2021.

    Read more
    Minnesota State Capitol
    Minnesota: 2021 Spring Legislative Update
    April 6, 2021

    The Minnesota Legislature has been in session since January 6th, without many final actions to show for the time spent. In the past 12 weeks there has been a flurry of activity in the House and Senate, although from the perspective of clean water there are stark contrasts between the directions that they are headed in the remaining weeks until they adjourn on May 16th.

    Senate

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    Is your retailer protecting you from toxic chemicals?
    Who is #Mindingthestore?
    March 30, 2021

    Good news! According to a new report from the Mind the Store Coalition nearly 70% of the 50 largest retailers in the country have improved toxic chemical safety programs over the past five years. That means we can find safer products with fewer hazardous chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive disorders or birth defects when we shop. These chemicals are often found in everyday products like cleaners,food packaging, and shampoos and moisturizers.

    Read more