More Toxic Chemicals

In 2007 I passed a bill I had worked on for 3 years, banning a toxic flame retardant called PBDE in Washington. This year a group of legislators is working on a different compound – Bisphenol-A. It’s found in polycarbonates and other hard, clear plastics, and like PBDE, it damages the reproductive systems of human beings.

I’m not working on the bill, but I have gone out and replaced all my plastic water bottles with ones that are Bisphenol-A free. I recommend you do this as well. I came across an article in FastCompany magazine that explains the issue in great detail, and lays out the tactics the chemical industry uses to gin up fake studies that purport to show that their products are safe. It’s worth reading.

FastCompany: The Real Story on Bisphenol-A

Author: Ross

I am the Director of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State. I formerly represented the 48th Legislative District in the State House of Representatives, chairing the Appropriations committee and spent many a year at Microsoft.