Make a difference in the challenge to confront global warming and prevent nuclear war and the development and use of nuclear weapons.
Tell President Obama to abolish the Nuclear Loan Guarantee Program.
Coal ash – the toxic stew of pollutants “scrubbed” from coal smokestack emissions – has emerged as a grave threat to health. Filled with contaminants like arsenic, lead, selenium, and mercury, it is stored in landfills and huge ponds in communities across the country.
In honor of the first national “Day of Action on Coal Ash,” I urge you to tell Congress that we need federal regulation of this health-threatening toxic sludge.
Coal ash is one of our nation’s biggest waste products. Nearly 600 coal ash ponds in 35 states, plus hundreds of landfills, hold enough coal ash to flow continuously over Niagara Falls for over three days straight. Gross – and frightening.
In December 2008, a coal ash pond in Tennessee burst through a poorly constructed dam. “Pond” conveys the wrong idea – this was a lake, and it sent one billion gallons of toxic coal ash sludge surging over 300 acres, damaging dozens of homes and poisoning rivers and water supplies. It was a horrifying demonstration of the destruction and contamination coal ash can unleash.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently drafting regulations that would regulate coal ash. Yet, well-heeled lobbyists for the coal and power industries are meeting with staff in the Office of Management and Budget, hoping to have that office impede the EPA’s ability to regulate this hazardous material.
Please email your congressperson, voicing your support to have coal ash designated as hazardous waste and firmly regulated. It’s high time we get one of our nation’s biggest toxic threats under control.
Thank President Obama for his courageous and health-protecting decision not to permit construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 would require the chemical industry to ensure chemicals are safe before they go on the market. Ask your Senator to support health-protective chemicals policy by making a call today.
Sustancias quimicas peligrosas en el sector de la salud
The Spanish-language version of the PSR report, "Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care," written with the American Nurses Association and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), details the first investigation of environmental chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals. Read more »
Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care
Read PSR’s October, 2009, report: "Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care." Of 20 health care professionals tested for the presence of industrial chemicals in their bodies, all 20 had at least 24 individual chemicals present, many of which are associated with chronic illness and physical disorders. Read more »
Toxics tools and resources
Happy holidays from the Environmental Health Policy Institute! This holiday season we highlight some of our favorite tools and resources for health professionals and others concerned about the health effects of industrial chemicals. Read more »
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