TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)
Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living

CANARIES & KIDS: PROTECTING THE MOST VULNERABLE

In the old days, a miner would take a canary with him down the shaft as a warning. If the bird keeled over and died, the miner knew it was a sign of something toxic in the air, and if he didn’t get out of there, he would be next to get sick. Today, the term “canary” is used for humans who are more sensitive than most to the toxic fumes from many common chemicals. Some of those susceptible to adverse reactions are people with asthma, allergies, sinusitis, and a variety of health conditions that weaken the immune system. Children, as well, are greatly affected by environmental toxins.

TIP’S MISSION IS TO HELP THOSE ALREADY AFFECTED - AND INFORM EVERYONE ELSE ABOUT THEIR OWN VULNERABILITY TO THE SAME TOXIC CHEMICALS - WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES!

WEBSITE INDEX

Several menu sections have changed to reflect new emphases and strategies for the work we do. Here is the current index - see updated descriptions below.

ABOUT US

1. Who We Are
2. What We Do
3. Thoughts on Going Non-Toxic
4. Membership/Support Options
5. Contact Us

CONCERNS

1. (NEW) Health Connections
2. (NEW) IEQ - The Inside Story
3. Pesticides & Playing Fields
4. (NEW) Legislation & Regulation
5. Protecting Pets

TIP TOPICS

1. Households & Food
2. Kids & Toxics
3. Personal Care
4. Pest Control
5. Environmental Effects

TRADING TIPS

1. Questions & Responses
2. Surveys & Quizzes
3. Canary Corner
4. “TIP TALKS” Newsletter
5. Speakers & Consulting

RESOURCES

1. Less Toxic Landscaping
2. (NEW) En Espagnol & Other Languages
3. (NEW) Organizations & Informational Sites
4. (NEW) Services & Product Sources
5. (NEW) The TIP Store - Books & Materials

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CONCERNS

HEALTH CONNECTIONS

Some of the most important people to keep informed about our concerns are health care professionals and educators. They are probably the most influential sources to which the public turns for knowledge and advice. Yet, too often the kind of information medical & academic personnel receive is heavily influenced by chemical and pharmaceutical industry bias. Therefore, one of TIP’s major goals in 2007 is to find and share well-researched reports and articles from respected, reputable sources about the connections between environmental pollutants and health conditions.

The major ones about which more and more information is emerging are asthma, learning disabilities, endocrine disruption and cancer. Pesticides, cleaning materials and fragranced products are the most common concerns about which TIP will be providing articles based on up-to-date research. In addition, we are exploring ways to offer presentations to groups of health professionals.

2007 Health Connections Programs

HISPANIC/LATINO HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVE

A Collaborative Effort to Provide Information to Spanish Speakers on Toxics in Everyday Life & Healthier Alternatives Plans are underway, with the assistance of a small advisory group of health educators. We have begun distributing a survey of what people use and of reactions to household chemicals, and are collecting relevant materials in Spanish. A member of our advisory group is translating a basic TIP informational flyer into Spanish for us. We expect in 2007 to continue sharing Spanish informational materials through our networking efforts, and make them available on a new Spanish page on our website.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & BREAST CANCER RISK:
Are Chemicals in Common, Everyday Products Linked to Breast Cancer?

An Ounce of Prevention Could Help Save Your Health & Life

A presentation provided by the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC), in partnership with the Rhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition (RIBCC). Co-Sponsors of the event include: Toxics Information Project (TIP), URI Women's Center and URI Women's Studies Department. A reception followed the talk, held at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston Campus Memorial Union, with further opportunity for questions/discussion. Some articles on chemicals relationship to cancer may be found by scrolling down at: www.toxicsinfo.org/healthconnections.htm

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IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) - THE INSIDE STORY

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it quite clear that Indoor in workplaces, schools and in the home. It also causes accessibility problems for many. In testimony given at the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) Forums in August 2005, 50 pages spoke of the need for greater protection of those especially vulnerable to common chemicals, including people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. TIP is working with GCD, RIACC and others on responses to the problems described. The GCD Legislation Committee made our accessibility concerns # 2 in their 2006 priorities list, & TIP Director Liberty Goodwin a member of the group.

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“ PESTICIDE-FREE PLAYING FIELDS” INITIATIVE

The health of more and more children and teachers is being affected by commonly used chemicals. Asthma, allergies, autism and childhood cancer are all on the rise, and connections with these conditions have been made by numerous scientific studies and reports. Inhalant abuse of household products is also a growing problem. Many schools, towns and states are taking action to protect kids by reducing their exposure to problem products. Everyone involved with young people should be informed about this! TIP held a School Toxics Forum in 2006 on this concern.

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LEGISLATION & REGULATION

TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT COMMENTS:

1. Use the website contact form:

2. Contact Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director, 401-351-9193 or E-Mail: liberty@toxicsinfo.org

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BREAST CANCER & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH ACT

This federal legislation would establish a national strategy to study the links between the environment and breast cancer. This legislation would authorize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a peer reviewed research program of grants for the establishment of collaborative centers of research to study environmental factors that are believed to contribute to the development of breast cancer. Specifically, $30 million per year in fiscal years 2007-2012 would be authorized for this purpose. Under a competitive, peer-reviewed grant-making process that would involve trained consumers in the decision making process, the NIH director would award grants to conduct multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research using a broad definition of environment through a national network of collaborative centers. be funded each year.

RI INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BILL

A bill calling for minimum standards for Indoor Environmental Quality was drafted by the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) in cooperation with TIP, and introduced in both the RI State Senate & House in 2006. Hearings were held in March before the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, and the House Environment & Natural Resources Committee & in April before the House Health & Human Services . On May 23, 2006, the RI State Senate passed a Resolution Urging the Department of Administration to Use Environmentally-Safe & Health-Friendly Cleaning Products in State Facilities & Workplaces, based on the proposed bill, S2627. We will continue efforts to obtain stronger legislation and/or an Executive Order from the Governor, addressing this concern, while encouraging implementation of the resolution.

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PROTECTING PETS

Our animal and avian family members are exceptionally susceptible to health effects from common household chemicals. TIP tries to provide helpful information on what is risky and on healthier alternatives to use for and around your pets. Watch for a Spring 2007 Protecting Pets discussion, in the planning stages.

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RESOURCES

“LESS TOXIC LANDSCAPING” CAMPAIGN

RI “LESS TOXIC LANDSCAPING” RESOURCE GUIDE

Originally published by TIP in February 2006, to help people to do healthy landscaping and gardening in RI and nearby. Included are contact info for advice givers, sources for less toxic supplies, and providers of organic lawn and gardening services. A supplement with added resources was offered in 2007 and a completely updated Directory is available for 2008 (See Action Corner).

LINKS TO LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING SITES

Some places on the Web with especially useful information on healthy land care.

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EN ESPAGNOL & OTHER LANGUAGES

TIP-related materials in Spanish, the first fruits of our Hispanic Health Education Initiative (HHEI). We have added a few more found on the internet in other tongues - Portuguese, Czechoslovokian…The concern about chemicals and health is worldwide!

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ORGANIZATIONS & INFORMATIONAL SITES

We’ve combined these two categories to include the many websites we’ve come across that offer not merely one article - but a multiplicity of information about toxic hazards and healthier alternatives.

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LINKS TO PRODUCT SOURCES

Local retailers often don’t offer many good alternative product options - nor are they great sources of information about ingredients and toxicity. So, here’s where you can find a variety of less toxic alternatives described and sold. Some may even be available locally as well, if you know which ones to seek.

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THE TIP STORE - BOOKS AND MATERIALS

TIP doesn’t sell household or personal care products because we want to be careful about protecting our objectivity and reputation. However, we do offer some great books and Less Toxic Landscaping campaign materials - bumper stickers, tote bags, and T-Shirts. (At our booth, you can get lawn/window signs as well). Support us while getting helpful information about gardening, landscaping, less toxic living. We even have some neat children’s books and card games!

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COMMENTS ON OTHER CATEGORIES

We are continually adding information to the site, and updating anything that needs it. In particular, watch the Action Corner on the right of the Home Page for new ways to participate in TIP’s efforts for a healthier world!

NOTE: We changed the “consulting” section to include “Speakers” because we are hoping to encourage folks to get groups to sponsor talks on our concerns. This could involve TIP Director Liberty Goodwin or various experts in different fields. Check out previous ones for ideas - scroll down under “Who We Are” to “Volunteers & Guest Speakers”.

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For more information, to become involved, or to buy the Less Toxic Landscaping Resource Directory, Contact Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director, 401-351-9193, liberty@toxicsinfo.org OR see the Action Corner on the right.

To become a member or make a donation, go to www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm

 

ACTION CORNER

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO HELP EDUCATE PARENTS & OTHERS ON HOW TO PROTECT KIDS IN RHODE ISLAND FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THEIR TOYS & OTHER PRODUCTS!

The RI Children’s Product Safety Act: did not succeed this year. Federal legislation was passed to strengthen regulations and oversight of a variety of products by the consumer product safety commission. However, it only mentions phthalates by name, not bisphenol-A. Also, federal agencies have a track record of sometimes taking many years to even begin work on mandated actions. And the research on which they rely is often tainted by industry involvement. THE BEST PROTECTION FOR OUR KIDS IS EDUCATED CONSUMERS!

1. GET ON THE TIP E-MAIL LIST AND RECEIVE THE LATEST INFORMATION ON SAFER PRODUCTS AND WHICH TO AVOID.

2. PASS ON THIS INFORMATION AND THAT ON THE TIP WEBSITE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

3. WATCH FOR THE UPCOMING “LESS TOXIC LIVING GUIDE” SERIES OF HELPFUL BROCHURES. THE FIRST, ON HEALTHY HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING AND GIFT-GIVING, SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY TO MID-NOVEMBER.

4. BECOME A MEMBER OF TIP, SUPPORT OUR WORK AND RECEIVE OUR INFORMATIVE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER! www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm

NEW 2008 LESS TOXIC LANDSCAPING RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Just published! A 64-page update to our popular 2006-2007 RI Less Toxic Landscaping Resource Directory - with additional organic-friendly suppliers, services and information sources. New this year - a section on Less Toxic Living (prequel to a complete LTL Guide planned for later this year) Get copies at TIP’s booth at an event for only $4, or go to: www.toxicsinfo.org/tipstore.htm to order online, $5.

Listen to the Lawn Flag Song! This song is written by Paul Klinkman, the TIP Webmaster.

CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR RI SCHOOL & DAY CARE LAWN PESTICIDE BAN -IN A NEW WAY

The RI Dept. of Environmental Management is trying to educate schools to adopt safer practices by preparing and following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans for mostly organic land care. Ask your local school about their pesticide policies and practices. Encourage them to learn and utilize safer ways to maintain playing fields.