Author: chejadmin

By Sophie Jackson.

I don’t often question my use of everyday household products. I tend to assume that someone has tested them, and they have been proven safe, hence, why they have ended up in my shopping cart and onto a shelf in my home. However, as I scrolled through the news and came across an article about toxic metals found in tampons, I lost that sense of assurance.

The study analyzed 14 different brands of tampons for the presence of 16 metals. The metals evaluated were detected in each brand. Lead and arsenic are two of the metals highly emphasized in the findings of the study, with arsenic levels higher in organic brands and lead levels higher in non-organic brands. This emphasis is likely due to their harmful health impacts. Common health effects associated with lead exposure are brain, kidney, and reproductive issues. It is also important to note there is no “safe” level of lead exposure. Arsenic exposure is associated with skin, lung, and bladder cancers.

While the contamination source is currently unknown, researchers believe likely possibilities are manufacturing-related metal additions or the bioaccumulation of metals in cotton exposed to contaminated waters or soils.

Unfortunately, there are many unknowns. There is currently no research available to determine if metal presence in tampons is leading to an actual exposure to these metals or related to conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, cervical cancer, or infertility.

With an average of 52-86% of women in the US using tampons, these findings should be of interest to a majority of women. Many have been using tampons since their early teens and for a period of 3-7 days each month, thus facing a fairly regular risk of potential exposure.

This leaves women with many questions. Is this contamination a recent occurrence or have women potentially been exposed for years or even decades? Is tampon usage actually leading to metal exposure and does this result in accumulation of metals in the body? If so, which metals are more likely to accumulate? Answers to these questions are vital to provide clarity and create proper guidance for women.

To lower the potential for exposure, women can opt for alternative menstrual products. Pads and menstrual cups are two common options. However, studies must still be conducted to determine if pads face the same metal contamination as tampons, potentially acting as an additional exposure risk for women. Menstrual cups are another option. Although they are initially more expensive, they are cost-effective long term.

It is important to acknowledge that alternative products may not be accessible to all women. With 21% of women in the U.S. facing difficulty affording period products every month, precautionary actions are not always a valid option. These disparities carry over when addressing access to toxin exposure screenings and reproductive healthcare. While women wait to see the potential ramifications of these findings, we must do more to test everyday products and protect all groups of people from harmful chemical exposures.

By Prasa Thapa.

On a Sunday morning, as I flipped eggs in my non-stick Cuisinart pan, I recalled an article I had read the previous week about the “forever chemicals” and its presence in the non-stick cookware. This sparked a curiosity about the items I won that might have forever chemicals and I couldn’t resist myself as I started looking for articles as I had my breakfast.

Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds known for their exceptional durability and resistance to degradation. These substances are present in most household items like-cleaning products, shampoos, cosmetics, nail polish, paints, fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware, water resistance clothing, candy wrappers and even water. These synthetic chemicals do not break down naturally or easily in the environment and are known to accumulate in the human body, hence, they are known as forever chemicals.

In the US, approximately, 98% of the people have PFAS in their bodies. PFAS contamination have been detected in coastal waters, rivers and lakes, including drinking water supplies, which is a significant public health risk. Research also shows that people who consume high amounts of white rice, coffee, milk and seafood have been associated with higher level of toxic chemicals in their blood. In recent research done at WVU, several forever chemical hotspots were identified where “socioeconomic attributes like housing density, income and raw water intake sources” determined the level of PFAS. Communities that have manufacturing industries and the communities that use aquifers rather than natural source for water had higher levels of these chemicals. The identified hot spots were different counties in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, border of North Carolina and South Carolina, and Colorado.

A study predicted that the tap water in half of the states in the US are contaminated with at least one PFAS. EPA states that “There is no safe level of exposure to PFAS without health impacts.” The exposure to these chemicals is linked to wide range of health issues, including cancer, high-blood pressure, reproductive defects, thyroid, liver disease, compromised immune system etc. To lower the exposure, one can take steps for themselves. Filtering drinking water, avoiding food in paper/plastic containers, avoiding Teflon cookware and even limiting the consumption of fish from local freshwater could be few steps to minimize the exposure.

As the awareness regarding the risks of forever chemicals grow, there have been efforts to regulate and mitigate the use and impact of forever chemicals. Government, different organizations, stakeholder, researchers and public health department are working to understand the full extent of these chemicals, their alternative as well as safe disposal. However, the fight against these chemicals is ongoing and hopefully, there is a future where these persistent chemicals

By Claire Robinson.

In the summer, I love spending as much time outdoors as I possibly can. But in recent years, climate change has increased the frequency and severity of wildfires such that their smoke sometimes spreads even to states far away. This is how I found that wildfire smoke gives me migraines so serious that I have to stay inside. I am far from the only one whose disability is exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Krystal Vasquez, who has a chronic illness, similarly says that wildfire smoke makes her feel “really fatigued, really achy, really sore.”

For disabled people, the consequences of climate change are numerous and can sometimes be severe or even fatal. Indeed, disabled people are two to four times more likely to die in climate emergencies. People with limited or no mobility may not be able to evacuate from an area quickly or at all, which could make a wildfire or flood deadly for them. Even disabled people who do evacuate may lack access to vital medical equipment or medications at emergency shelters. 

Disabled people are also much more likely to be low-income and thus to face issues like food insecurity, issues that are worsened by climate change. Worldwide, 80% of disabled people live in low-and middle-income countries, meaning that these people are likely not just to be low-income but also to live in places that are especially affected by climate change.

These are just a few of the means through which disabled people are uniquely affected by climate change; there are many other ways as well. For example, immunocompromised people are particularly at risk from mosquito-borne illnesses, illnesses which will affect people in more locations as the earth warms, and people with mental health-related disabilities are three times more likely to die during heatwaves.

Disabled people are the world’s largest minority group: over a billion people worldwide are disabled. When the risks or impacts of climate change are calculated, though, disabled people often are not considered. Recently, human rights organizations have called for governments to include disabled participants when creating climate plans and policies, and scientists have stated that climate change research should include disabled people. Still, much of that work is yet to be done.

A note on identity-first language: In this post, I chose to refer to“disabled people,” not “people with disabilities.” Nowadays, this identity-first language is preferred by many, though not all, people in the disabled community. I personally prefer the term “disabled person” to “person with a disability” because my disability is inextricably part of me.

By Gregory Kolen.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their emancipation, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day has evolved into a broader celebration of African American freedom, culture, and achievements. As we reflect on Juneteenth, it is crucial to recognize its relevance to ongoing struggles for justice, including the environmental justice movement. Both movements, at their core, seek to address deep-seated inequities and strive for a future where all people can thrive.

Historical Context and Shared Struggles

The environmental justice movement emerged in the late 20th century in response to the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards borne by marginalized communities, particularly communities of color and low-income groups. This movement recognizes that environmental issues are not just about nature but are deeply intertwined with social justice, economic inequality, and systemic racism. Similarly, Juneteenth is a reminder of the historical and ongoing fight against racial oppression and the quest for true freedom and equality.

African American communities have long been at the forefront of environmental justice activism. From protesting hazardous waste sites in Warren County, North Carolina, in the 1980s to advocating for cleaner air in urban neighborhoods, these communities have highlighted how environmental degradation disproportionately affects people of color. This connection underscores a broader understanding of freedom and justice, one that includes the right to live in a safe and healthy environment.

A Continuing Challenge

Environmental racism refers to the policies and practices that disproportionately expose communities of color to environmental hazards. These communities often live near industrial facilities, waste disposal sites, and other sources of pollution. The resulting health disparities, such as higher rates of asthma, cancer, and other illnesses, reflect a legacy of systemic neglect and discrimination.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom from slavery was just the beginning of the struggle for African Americans. Similarly, achieving environmental justice requires confronting and dismantling the structures that perpetuate these inequities. It calls for recognizing the historical context in which these environmental injustices occur and addressing the root causes of racial and economic disparities.

Building a Just and Sustainable Future

The intersection of Juneteenth and environmental justice is also about envisioning a future where equity and sustainability go hand in hand. This vision includes:

1. Inclusive Policy Making: Ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in environmental decision-making processes. Policies should be designed with the input and leadership of those most affected by environmental harms.
2. Equitable Access to Resources: Promoting access to clean air, water, and land, as well as green spaces and renewable energy sources. This includes addressing food deserts and promoting sustainable agriculture in underserved communities.
3. Economic Empowerment: Creating green jobs and economic opportunities in marginalized communities. This can help address both environmental and economic inequities, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.
4. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about environmental justice issues and their connections to broader social justice movements. Education can empower communities to advocate for their rights and hold polluters accountable.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history. At the same time, we acknowledge the ongoing struggles for justice and equity. The environmental justice movement, like the fight for civil rights, is rooted in the belief that all people deserve to live free from oppression and harm. By connecting these two movements, we can work towards a future where freedom and justice are not just ideals but realities for all.

By Sharon Franklin.

Current Research Is Predicting More Than 50% Of American Adults

Will Have Cardiovascular Disease by 2050

Is It Related to Their Environment ???

On March 27, 2024, the American Heart Association released new research stating that people who live in areas with social and environmental adversities may have up to twice the increased risk for developing heart disease and stroke. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/social-environmental-factors-may-raise-risk-of-developing-heart-disease-and-stroke.  In this study, environmental adversities included air and water pollution and potentially hazardous and/or toxic sites.  Dr. Sarju Ganatra, M.D., senior author stated, “This study is one of the first to examine the impact of both social and environmental factors in combination and looked at the complex interplay between them,”  

As reported on June 4, 2024 by Jen Christensen, CNN Health, Medical and Wellness Unit that further new research from the American Heart Association Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050   https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/forecasting-the-burden-of-cardiovascular-disease-and-stroke-in-the-us-through-2050   finds that approximately 61% of US adults will have cardiovascular disease by 2050. This is alarming because it has increased from 28 million in 2020, and now it is predicted that 45 million adults will have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050. 

The biggest driver of this trend will be the large number of people who have or will develop high blood pressure, which makes them much more likely to develop dangerous problems like a heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems (i.e. heart attacks, atrial fibrillation or “a-fib”, heart failure and congenital heart disease).  By 2050, 22% of the US will be over the age of 65, and this aging population will be another factor contributing to these trends, because the older you get, the more likely you are to have heart problems.

By 2050, people who identify as Hispanic will make up about a quarter of the United States population and are projected to have the greatest population growth for cardiovascular disease or stroke, and people who identify as Black will be 14.4% and the number of people who identify as Asian will also increase to 8.6%, according to the US Census predictions https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popproj.html   .  

The June 4, 2024 Heart Association report also offers a closer look at the heart health of children. It finds “concerning trends” in key risk factors, including a predicted increase in the number of kids living with obesity, in large part due to a lack of exercise and poor diet. The report projects that the number of American children with obesity will jump from 20.6% in 2020 to 33% in 2050, meaning 26 million kids will have obesity by that time.  The study also projected that the number of people with high cholesterol will decline due in part to the sharp increase in the number of people who take drugs called statins, which can reduce cholesterol.

So, What Can We Do Now?  The research suggests:

1.  Prevention efforts to improve population health would be important, and would save America a significant amount of money.  (The costs including direct health care costs and productivity losses are expected to almost triple to more than $1.8 trillion by 2050.)

• The creation of clinical and policy interventions specifically to help people of color, who are already disproportionally affected by heart problems and who tend to have less access to basic affordable health care.

By Stephen Lester.

Years ago, when I first got involved in toxics work, I thought that determining the toxicity of a chemical was based on the evidence, the scientific evidence on exposure and health outcomes, primarily in people. Now I know better.

Take for example, the case of asbestos. Earlier this year, the USEPA banned asbestos use in the United States. This was not an immediate ban, but one in which the industry has 5 years to phase out its reliance on asbestos.

Despite mounds of evidence collected over decades on the dangers of asbestos, this toxic mineral has continued to be used in the US in brake lining, sheet gaskets and in the production of chlorine. This asbestos is mostly  imported, as asbestos was last mined in the US in 2002. Think about that. How is it possible that a known human carcinogen linked to more than 40,000 deaths a year is still legally being used in this country?

It was more than 40 years ago that scientific consensus concluded that asbestos was a highly carcinogenic substance, that ship workers had higher rates of a very rare form of lung cancer called mesothelioma and that it was caused by exposure to asbestos.

EPA tried in 1989 to ban asbestos, but its regulation was overturned by a federal judge who allowed asbestos use to continue and for companies to import it. There was also the Ban Asbestos in America Act introduced in the early 2000s that would have banned importing manufacturing and distributing asbestos, but it was never voted on by Congress.   

How does a chemical as toxic as asbestos stay on the market despite clear evidence of its toxicity and impact on people? The answer is the political power and influence of the companies that stand to benefit from its use in products such as brake lining, sheet gaskets and in the production of chlorine. The biggest users of asbestos have made arguments for decades that have prevented EPA from taking action to restrict the uses of asbestos. For example, the American Chemistry Council who represents the chlorine industry has argued it “would make it difficult for water utilities to buy chlorine, threatening the safety of the nation’s drinking water.”

These companies challenge the agency at every step of the regulatory process with legal and scientific questions and political fights. An article in the Washington Post last year quoted Bob Sussman, former EPA deputy administrator during the Clinton Administration, saying “Industry’s game plan has been to attack EPA for overreaching even while working to assure that EPA accomplishes far less than the public and many in Congress expected.” It’s a strategy calculated to make a struggling agency even weaker and more paralyzed by making every decision  contentious and contested.”

The scientific evidence in isolation can evaluate the toxicity of a chemical. But it’s the political and economic factors that drive decisions on how well people are protected from exposure to toxic chemicals, not the science. Toxic chemicals are not restricted or controlled, they are managed. In large part this is because the scientific evidence linking exposure to low level mixtures of toxic chemicals is very limited and incomplete. So, in the absence of clear evidence, the government and the politicians cannot rely on the science to answer the questions people have about whether their health problems are caused by the chemicals they were exposed to. 

This situation is not likely to change any time soon. People will continue to be exposed to toxic chemicals whether it’s asbestos, lead, trichloroethylene or any of hundreds of other toxic chemicals. Corporate America has enormous control over EPA, FDA and other government agencies that regulate toxic chemicals. Don’t expect these agencies to protect you, even when they want to. It’s what the companies want that dictates what happens. It’s the companies that decide whether a chemical is toxic in a community setting or even in a workplace. It’s the companies that decide how much a chemical or a mixture of chemicals that you can be exposed to. It’s the companies that decide, not the scientists and not the people who were exposed.    

By Gregory Kolen II.

In the realm of environmental justice, where the intersection of social equity and environmental protection is paramount, effective communication is key. For nonprofits working within this space, brand storytelling is not just a marketing tool; it’s a powerful instrument for change. It shapes public perception, galvanizes support, and ultimately drives the mission forward. Here, we delve into the importance of brand storytelling for environmental justice nonprofits and highlight some exemplary cases.

The Essence of Brand Storytelling

At its core, brand storytelling is about crafting and conveying a narrative that resonates with your audience on an emotional level. For environmental justice nonprofits, this involves articulating the interconnectedness of environmental issues with social inequities, and the human stories that underscore these realities. It transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, fostering empathy and motivating action.

Building Trust and Credibility

Nonprofits often rely heavily on public support, whether through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy. A compelling brand story helps build trust and credibility, which are crucial for sustaining this support. By consistently sharing stories of their impact, struggles, and victories, organizations can cultivate a loyal and engaged community.

For instance, The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has effectively used storytelling to highlight the plight of communities affected by climate change. Their campaigns often feature personal stories of individuals from vulnerable regions, creating a relatable and urgent narrative that underscores the necessity of their work.

Engaging Diverse Audiences

Environmental justice issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Effective storytelling can bridge gaps, engaging diverse audiences who might otherwise feel disconnected from environmental causes. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, nonprofits can foster a more inclusive dialogue.

WE ACT for Environmental Justice, based in Harlem, New York, exemplifies this approach. Through their storytelling efforts, they highlight the health and environmental challenges faced by their community, while also celebrating local leaders and activists. This not only educates a broader audience but also empowers the community by giving them a platform.

Driving Advocacy and Action

Storytelling is a catalyst for advocacy. It has the power to transform passive observers into active participants. When people connect emotionally with a story, they are more likely to take action—be it signing a petition, attending a rally, or donating to a cause.

350.org, a global grassroots movement to combat climate change, leverages storytelling to mobilize people worldwide. Their campaigns often focus on personal stories of those affected by fossil fuel projects, making the issue more relatable and urgent. This has been instrumental in their success in driving global action against climate change.

Inspiring Hope and Empowerment

Amid the often daunting challenges of environmental justice, storytelling can also inspire hope and empowerment. By sharing success stories and highlighting positive changes, nonprofits can foster a sense of possibility and motivate continued efforts.

The Sierra Club, one of the oldest and largest environmental organizations in the United States, uses storytelling to highlight their victories in environmental protection and justice. By showcasing the tangible impacts of their campaigns, they inspire their supporters and attract new allies to their cause.

Crafting an Effective Brand Story

For environmental justice nonprofits looking to harness the power of storytelling, consider these key elements:

1. Authenticity: Ensure your stories are genuine and reflect the true experiences of the communities you serve.
2. Relatability: Highlight personal stories that your audience can connect with on an emotional level.
3. Clarity: Clearly articulate the link between environmental issues and social justice.
4. Visuals: Use compelling visuals to complement your narrative and enhance engagement.
5. Call to Action: Encourage your audience to take specific actions to support your cause.

Conclusion

In the fight for environmental justice, the power of a well-told story cannot be overstated. It humanizes complex issues, builds trust, engages diverse audiences, drives action, and inspires hope. For nonprofits dedicated to this cause, mastering the art of brand storytelling is not just beneficial—it’s essential for making a lasting impact. By continually refining and sharing their narratives, these organizations can foster a more just and sustainable world for all.