200 Top Scientists Warn of Dangers of Exposure to Common Chemicals in "Faroes Statement"

In a strongly worded declaration, many of the world's leading environmental scientists warned that exposure to common chemicals makes babies more likely to develop an array of health problems later in life, including diabetes, attention deficit disorders, prostate cancer, fertility problems, thyroid disorders and even obesity.

The declaration by about 200 scientists from five continents amounts to a vote of confidence in a growing body of evidence that humans are vulnerable to long-term harm from toxic exposures in the womb and during their first years.

Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative (LDDI) Publishes Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Factors

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment's Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative published the Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The statement summarizes the latest science about environmental contaminants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays. The statement, signed by more than 50 scientists and health professionals nationally and internationally, has a glossary and over 200 references, was drafted and reviewed by a prestigious committee of scientists and health professionals based in North America.

Center Continues Work to Green City-County Operations

The Center is representing the community interest on the City of Portland - Multnomah County Toxics Reduction Strategy Steering Committee, ensuring that the implementation process is timely and the outcomes are protective of environmental health. The first three workgroups for implementation will focus on 1) Conducting an Inventory of Toxics at the City and County, 2) Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs purchasing and recycling, and 3) developing a Mercury Reduction Plan. The Steering Committee includes two Community Representative positions. In related news, we are pleased to have been invited to present a workshop at the upcoming League of Oregon Cities annual conference on Toxic Reduction Strategies for Local Government. Learn more about the Toxics Reduction Strategy on our Chemicals Policy page.