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Accomplishments
The MNCEH celebrates accomplishments that help to protect children's health.
Children's Products
State Senator Rebekah Warren Introduces the Safe Children's Products Act
In December 2011, the Senator Warren (D-Ann Arbor) introduced the Safe Children's Products Act, which would provide families with the right to know about toxic chemicals in children's products sold in Michigan. This information would be collected and
distributed to the public by the Michigan Department of Community
Health. Ask your Senator to support the Safe Children's Products Act!
Michigan Businesses and Manufacturers Support the Safe Children's Products Act
Sixteen Michigan businesses and manufacturers joined thousands of parents and the MNCEH to call for support of the Safe Children's Products Act. These businesses are committed to providing high quality products for families and want the right to know about toxic chemicals in children's products. Click here to view the sixteen businesses that support our efforts to pass the Safe Children's Products Act.
Deca-BDE
Michigan House Overwhelmingly Passes Ban on Toxic Flame Retardant
On Jan. 27, 2010, following the recommendations of the state’s leading medical, health, and environmental organizations – as well as fire
fighters – the Michigan House nearly unanimously passed HB 4699 (94-6), which would phase-out the toxic flame retardant deca-BDE. This long awaited bi-partisan vote follows on the heels of a voluntary agreement to end the manufacture, import, and sale of the chemical between three major manufacturers of deca-BDE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Read the full press
release.
EPA Limits Toxic Flame Retardant Deca-BDE
In December 2009, the U.S. EPA announced that three major industrial producers of deca-BDE agreed to end the manufacture, importation, and sale of deca-BDE in the United States. However, the import and sale of consumer products containing deca-BDE was not a part of the voluntary agreement and Michigan's HB 4699 is still needed. Read the full press release.
State Panel Calls for Legislative Ban on Deca-BDE
In August 2008, the Michigan Interdepartmental Toxics Steering Group released a long-awaited report in which it recommended a legislative ban on the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE, BDE-209, or deca). Deca-BDE, the last commercially used polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), has come into question due to its toxicity and its prevalence in humans and the environment.
Learn more about this victory by viewing our press release:
View our Flame Retardants campaign page
Green Chemistry
Ecology Center Receives Green Chemistry Award from Governor
Governor Granholm honored the Ecology Center with an award for the work it has done in concert with the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health to promote Green Chemistry in the state. Seven award winners were recognized in a ceremony on September 24th, 2009 and again at the landmark Michigan Green Chemistry Conference on September 25th, 2009. Click here to read the DEQ press release.
Green Chemistry Legislation
In May 2009, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 100-9 to pass legislation to promote green chemistry that provides economic incentives for companies that produce chemicals or materials in a manner that reduces or eliminates harmful contaminants.
To view the legislation (HB 4817, 4818, 4819), please visit:
Gov. Granholm Signs First-in-Nation Green Chemistry Executive Directive
In October 2006, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the nation's first Green Chemistry Executive Directive. The Directive elevated Michigan as a leader among states working to advance cutting edge efforts in the design of safer, cleaner chemicals and materials that are "benign by design."
The Executive Directive is non-regulatory and requires the state to set up a program to advance research and implementation of green chemistry in Michigan. The Directive has garnered widespread support from green chemists and environmental and public health activists.
Learn more about this victory by viewing our press release:
Public Health and Environmental Leaders Applaud Governor's Green Chemistry Directive
View our Green Chemistry campaign page
Lindane
Michigan House Votes Overwhelmingly to Restrict Lindane
In March 2009, the Michigan House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HB 4402, a bill that would restrict the pharmaceutical pesticide lindane, a hazardous treatment for head lice and scabies. The House passed a similar bill (72-35) in May 2008, only two months after the SLAPP suit filed against the Ecology Center by Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals was dropped.
Learn more about these victories by viewing our press releases:
Michigan House Votes 88-20 to Restrict Pharmaceutical Pesticide Lindane, March 2009
House Overwhelmingly Passes Restrictions on Dangerous Pesticide Lindane, May 2008
Drug Company Drops SLAPP Suit Against Ecology Center, March 2008
View our Lindane campaign page
Mercury
Michigan House Votes to Ban Most Remaining Products with Mercury
In April 2009, the Michigan House passed HB 4277-4281, legislation that would prevent the sale of certain mercury-containing products, prevent the use of landfills and incinerators in the disposal of mercury-containing products, require labels on mercury-containing products, and require retailers and distributors of products containing mercury to provide a safety data sheet about the product.
To view the bills, please visit:
Gov. Granholm Signs Bill to Avoid Mercury Products in State Purchasing
In July 2008, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm signed legislation (PA 193) calling for all state agencies to, whenever possible, avoid purchasing products containing mercury or mercury compounds if alternatives are available.
Learn more about this victory and other victories on mercury by visiting:
Learn more by downloading our Mercury factsheet.
Environmental Justice Executive Directive
Gov. Granholm Signs Environmental Justice Executive Directive
In November 2007, an executive directive was signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, which explicitly recognizes that “state government has an obligation to advance policies that foster environmental justice, social well-being, and economic progress,” and charges the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to “develop and implement a state environmental justice plan to promote environmental justice in Michigan.”
Learn more about this victory by viewing the Ecology Center's newsletter article:
Governor Takes ‘Critical Step’ Toward Environmental Justice
Research
Network Partners, Staff, and Interns Contribute to Peer-Reviewed Medical Journal
In its January/February 2010 issue, the Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine published a survey of Michigan pediatricians documenting their knowledge of environmental issues and the extent to which they are aware of potential environmental influences on their patients' health and related treatment resources. The pediatricians generally felt confident in dealing with lead and second-hand smoke, but felt less confident in identifying and managing pesticide, mercury, mold, polychlorinated biphenyl, and air pollution exposures. The pediatricians expressed interest in additional training on pediatric environmental health issues. Researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health developed and analyzed the survey. Read the full article here.
National Report Reveals Toxics in Doctors & Nurses
Michigan State Rep. Jimmy Womack, MD and prominent pediatrician William Weil were among 20 healthcare professionals biomonitored for an array of toxic chemicals. PBDEs, BPA, phthalates, mercury, and perflourinated compounds were found in all participants. Read the full October 2009 report. Read the press release.
HealthyStuff.org launched in September 2009
The Ecology Center launched a comprehensive website to present results of new tests for toxics in selected pet products, car interiors, children's car seats, children's backpacks and lunch boxes, and women's purses. The site also incorporates all previous test data on cars, car seats, and toys. See the new ratings, tell us what to test next, and take action at: www.HealthyStuff.org!
And read the press release about the site here.