Center for Health, Environment & Justice
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August 2023
CHEJ's "All In" - Spotlight of the Month

We at CHEJ are thrilled to reflect upon the remarkable success of the 2023 People’s Action Initiative Convention last June! This year’s gathering of dedicated activists and community leaders was nothing short of inspiring. As an organization committed to environmental justice and empowering grassroots movements, we are eager to promote and share the valuable insights, knowledge, and discussions that took place during this convention.

The purpose of this convention was to start an Organizing Revival to “re-ground the movement for multiracial democracy in the powerful skills and traditions of community organizing.” With a collective commitment to building a more just and sustainable future, we are excited to be a part of People’s Action Initiative’s efforts in amplifying the movement’s impact and ensuring that it continues to shape and invigorate environmental justice at all levels.

CHEJ's Second Round of Small Grants is Here!

We are still accepting applications for the second round of our 2023 Small Grants Program. You can access the applications here.

The deadline is August 14th, 2023, so there’s still time to get in your application in or book an informative session with our Small Grants Manager, Teresa Mills, at .

Toxic Tuesday

Exposures to Chemical Mixtures Matter

Considering cumulative exposures to low levels mixtures of chemicals is an enormous challenge when evaluating the toxicity of chemicals. Neither the EPA nor ATSDR have guidance on how to evaluate exposure to multiple chemicals… [Read more]

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs)

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) are a family of hundreds of chemicals that come from crude oil. When crude oil is spilled during extraction or processing into petroleum products, TPHs can contaminate the environment. Becau… [Read more]

Training Calls

The Impact of PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging public health threat. Nicknamed the “forever” chemicals, they have contaminated drinking water across the U.S. PFAS are toxic at extremely low levels… [Watch now]

Backyard Talk Blogs

We're All Vulnerable to Climate Change

By Leila Waid. 2023 has already brought many climate change-related natural disasters. From the wildfires in Canada that covered the U.S. in particulate pollution, to the record-breaking heat waves gripping many parts of the world, this year has shown… [Read more]

There's An Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Health Emergency In South Memphis, Tennessee

By Sharon Franklin. For Rose Sims and Lettie White, residents of South Memphis, Tennessee, despite it being a sunny, spring day in their neighborhood, they make a point to stay inside as much as possible… [Read more]

Keep Your Family Safe: Top 5 Toxics To Avoid When Going Back To School Shopping

By Gregory Kolen, II. As the return to school approaches, parents and children alike are gearing up for a busy shopping season. While it can be fun to get new school supplies, clothes, and accessories, it’s essential to keep health and safety in mind… [Read more]

SCOTUS Restricts Water Rights For Navajo Nation

By Hunter Marion. On June 22nd, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Arizona v. Navajo Nation (2023) that the United States was not responsible for securing access to clean, fresh water for the Diné people. This is yet another blatant attack… [Read more]

Do you find this information useful? Please consider pitching in and making a contribution to CHEJ. We appreciate your support!

As we prepare our children for the upcoming school season, it’s essential to remember that their safety extends beyond the classroom. It’s not just about equipping them with knowledge, but also ensuring they’re protected from harmful substances hidden in everyday school supplies. At CHEJ, we are deeply committed to safeguarding our children’s health and future.

Many common school supplies unfortunately contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chemicals linked to health issues, from developmental problems to certain types of cancers. It’s truly alarming, and we believe our children deserve better. We aim to raise awareness about these harmful substances and advocate for safer alternatives. But to make this happen, we need your help.

With your generous donations, we can expand our reach, provide educational resources to parents and schools, and campaign against the use of PFAS and PVC in school supplies. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of our children and their health.

Donate Today!

On the next Training Call:

Our friends at the Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN) will discuss and share resources for improving school environmental health. Stay tuned for tips on how to protect children from toxics as you shop and prepare for the new school year.

Join us in our fight for environmental justice. Let’s ensure our children head back to school with safer supplies, for a healthier future.Thank you for your support!