toxic chemicals

T.J.Maxx is a popular shopping destination for many Bostonians because it offers a wide variety of products at often discounted prices. It is almost like a routine for me to pick up some vegan snacks at the Allston T.J.Maxx on weekends. Every time I go shopping, I have the habit of collecting receipts to keep track of my spending. But last week, when I went to TJ Maxx to buy my favorite blueberry protein bars, I suddenly found myself unsure what to do when the cashier handed me the receipt. You may wonder why.

My spouse and I are expecting our first child in the spring. Needless to say, our friends and families are very excited, and we are receiving a lot of advice and insight. One of the most frequent nuggets we have been getting goes something like this: “It really starts to get fun and exciting when you get to put together your baby registry!”

Of course all parents want to do what’s best for the well-being and safety of their children and family, so it’s a big concern that manufacturers still aren’t transparent about the chemicals used in their products. It seems like finding baby products that you know are toxic-free is nearly impossible.

A new Retailer Report Card from Mind the Store, a project of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition, grades major retailers on actions they have taken to remove toxic products from their shelves.

Yesterday, the Rhode Island House of Representatives voted to pass H5082, which will phase out the use of organohalogens, a dangerous chemical used in flame retardants that is associated with cancer and respiratory ailments.

The Senate already unanimously passed this bill in the spring, but when the General Assembly adjourned suddenly in June, the House version was left in legislative limbo. Over the summer, we worked to make sure that a strong version of this bill would be on the agenda  when the General Assembly reconvened in the fall to address its unfinished business.

As a nurse, I worry a lot about the growing body of research linking exposure to toxic chemicals in products we use every day, with the rising incidence of disease.

It is once again early spring – when some homeowners start obsessing over their lawns and apply pounds of toxic chemicals in their quest for a lawn that looks like a lush green carpet. But what’s hiding underneath all that “perfect” green?