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PFAS, the “forever chemicals” made simple
In our work at Clean Water Action we throw around a lot of statistics and chemical names which, if you’re not used to hearing them, all sound pretty much like “ethyl-methyl-bad-stuff.” Sometimes that’s really all you need to know: “there’s something bad there – stay away.”
But one group of chemicals you really should know about is PFAS, aka “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”, aka “the forever chemicals.” To keep it simple, we’ve boiled down the facts for you in this handy infographic. Check it out!
Want to dig deeper? You can learn more about PFAS at
Maryland bans toxic flame retardants, can Massachusetts be next?
At this point many people are aware of the dangers of the toxic flame-retardant chemicals that are applied to household products. Now, widespread concern is turning into real action. Motivated by consumer interest, many manufacturers and retailers have been phasing out these chemicals and using safer, fire resistant materials. Thirteen states have already restricted the use of one or more flame-retardant chemicals. Maine, California and others have passed legislation drastically limiting these chemicals in the home, and last month Maryland joined them by passing tough restrictions on toxic
Taking a stand against racism and police brutality
As an organization dedicated to the creation and preservation of a healthy environment for all we are appalled and sickened by the recent murders of Black people by police (George Floyd and Breonna Taylor) as well as police complicity with vigilante murder (Ahmaud Arbery).
Recognizing Women Leaders: Lee Ketelsen
As National Women’s History Month is winding down, we’d like to end it by honoring and recognizing an important women leader in the Clean Water Action family. Lee served as Massachusetts Director and then New England Director for Clean Water Action from 1985 to 2010 and is now a member of the Clean Water Action Massachusetts Advisory Board.
Over her 35 years (and counting!) of activism, she has made an astounding impact on environmental health and social justice issues–from community empowerment following the civil rights movement, to winning a moratorium on new trash incinerators in
Why Cancer is Killing Boston’s Firefighters – One Year Later
In March 2017, Boston Magazine published Why Cancer is Killing Boston’s Firefighters--a powerful article about two Boston firefighters, Glenn Preston and Peter Kannler and their battles with cancer. Both men were diagnosed in their mid-30’s; Preston was still fighting but Kannler had lost the battle. The article pointed to toxic chemicals as a culprit and specifically brought to light the issue of toxic flame retardants in common household items contributing to cancer, and other adverse health effects for firefighters like Glenn and Peter.
One year later, even more firefighters have been