Toxics News

HARTFORD – Safer alternatives exist for many toxic chemicals widely used in Connecticut, according to a new report released today by Environment Connecticut. The report, “Unnecessary Hazards,” details risks to the environment and human health posed by 10 commonly used toxic chemicals and identifies readily available safer alternatives to their use.

The report found numerous instances of toxic chemicals used in Connecticut, such as PBDE flame retardants, which are found in rapidly increasing levels in the environment and people. Levels of PBDE found in blood and breast milk of Americans are the highest in the world. PBDE accumulation in the environment poses similar health threats as PCBs. The European Union and a number of states have begun to phase out use of toxic flame retardants in favor of safer alternatives. Companies such as Dell, Intel and IKEA have removed PBDEs from their products in favor of safer alternatives.

“Toxic flame retardants like PBDEs are a perfect example of an unnecessary toxic hazard for which there are safe, effective alternatives,” said Christopher Phelps, Environment Connecticut Program Director.

“Like their big brother, PCBs, toxic PBDEs are rapidly accumulating in our environment,” said State Representative Jim O’Rourke. “As Environment Connecticut’s report demonstrates, Connecticut can take action to avoid the PBDE contamination problem reaching the same heights experienced with PCBs. Safer alternatives are available today, and we should act to require their use to protect the environment and our families.”

Environment Connecticut and the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut called on state policy makers to take action phasing out the use of hazardous toxics in favor of safer alternatives. The report outlined opportunities for the state to respond to growing evidence that toxic contamination poses unnecessary threats to human health and the environment. For instance, safer alternatives are available to replace toxic chemicals such as PBDEs, “cosmetic” lawn care pesticides such as 2,4-D, and hexavalent chromium, the toxic made famous in the movie “Erin Brokovich.”

The advocates urged adoption of policies to identify where hazardous toxics are being used and emitted into Connecticut’s environment, and to require use of safer alternatives whenever they are available. Additionally, the coalition is urging the state to develop the capacity to work with industry to identify available safer alternatives to hazardous toxics and assist in the transition to their use.

DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "Replacing toxic chemicals with alternatives that are safer to both human health and the environment is a goal consistent with this agency’s mission. It is also a common sense strategy that we should pursue whenever possible.  While there is more work to be done, Connecticut has already taken strong steps to address this issue.  We have a law that bans the use of mercury in most products.  We have legislation preventing the use of various metals and chemicals in product packaging.  And we have an Executive Order from the Governor requiring all state agencies to use environmentally friendly cleaning products."

"As Europe moves ahead with phasing out toxic chemicals and substituting safer product ingredients, the US runs the risk of falling behind in the new marketplace and becoming a dumping ground for toxic products banned elsewhere," said Petra Volinski, Coordinator, Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut. "We can protect our health while ushering in a wave of innovation in Connecticut that will grow our economy and create new jobs if Connecticut officials act on this huge opportunity."

Other toxic chemicals identified in the report as posing “unnecessary hazards” to Connecticut’s environment and public health include:

DEHP – Used to make PVC plastics more flexible, DEHP is a suspected carcinogen and can damage organs such as the heart, kidney’s and ovaries. Safer alternatives are widely available, particularly for medical applications requiring flexible plastics.

Dioxins and Furans – Created as a byproduct of burning of substances, such as PVC plastics, containing chlorine, dioxin is a known carcinogen. Safer alternatives focus on avoiding the burning of products that produce dioxins. This includes eliminating the use of PVC plastics and avoiding trash incineration, a major source of dioxin emissions.

Formaldehyde – Used in common building materials, which can produce elevated formaldehyde levels in indoor air. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen. Safer alternatives are readily available in the form of formaldehyde-free building products.

Lead – Found in consumer products such as cosmetic jewelry, ceramics and vinyl products. The average computer contains 3 pounds of lead. Lead causes neurological and developmental problems in children. Safer alternative lead-free components and ingredients are available for most applications.

Perchlorethelyne – An industrial solvent used in dry cleaning. Perchlorethelyne is linked to cancer and miscarriage. Safer alternatives using wet cleaning systems, non-chlorinated solvents and liquid carbon dioxide are increasingly being used by the cleaning industry.

Triclorethelyne – An industrial solvent used for degreasing and cleaning. Triclorethelyne can cause cancer, and is a notorious groundwater contaminant, as made famous in the book and movie “A Civil Action.” Safer alternative water-based and organic solvents are available to replace the use of triclorethelyne. The state of Massachusetts has worked with industry to switch to the use of safer alternatives, resulting in a 70% reduction in triclorethelyne usage over the last 15 years.

Organophosphate Pesticides – Americans use 77 million pounds of organophosphate pesticides each year. They are linked to health effects childhood cancer, miscarriage, and impaired infant brain development. Organic and preventative pest management techniques are a proven safer alternative to use of organophosphate pesticides in agricultural as well as residential application.

“It makes no sense to wait for environmental and health threats from toxic chemicals to emerge, by then it is too late to protect our families,” said Phil Sherwood, Legislative Director of Connecticut Citizen Action Group. “Connecticut should prioritize the health and safety of families and workers by identifying what toxic chemicals are being used in the state, and requiring the use of safer alternatives whenever they are available.”