Healthy Kids, Healthy Maryland
PROTECTING MARYLANDERS FROM TOXICS—Maryland PIRG is working with state lawmakers and our powerful coalition, connecting concerned citizens with their representatives, and reaching out to the media in our fight to make Maryland toxics-free.
Protecting Maryland Families
We need to do more to regulate toxic chemicals and prevent vulnerable populations, like women of reproductive age, developing children and factory workers from being unwittingly exposed to toxic chemicals.
Today, we are seeing the long-term impact that dangerous chemicals have on people. Leukemia, brain cancer and other childhood cancers have increased by more than 20% since 1975; asthma rates have doubled since 1980; and autism diagnoses have increased tenfold in the last 15 years.
OUR COMMONSENSE STEPS TO A TOXIC-FREE MARYLAND
Our campaign pushes for concrete steps that will help make it easier for Marylanders to protect themselves from toxic chemicals.
The Healthy Kids, Healthy Maryland platform calls for three commonsense steps to protect Marylanders from toxic chemical exposure:
- Phase out chemicals we know are dangerous, and replace them with safest alternatives available;
- Provide consumers with health and safety information about the presence of toxic chemicals in everyday products; and
- Support and encourage research, innovation, education and technology transfer in the field of green chemistry, making Maryland a leader in safe product development.
Issue updates
Governor Hogan announced today that he will allow the updated Keep Antibiotics Effective Act (SB471/HB652) to go into law without his signature. Public health advocates are applauding the new law to ensure that Maryland is restricting antibiotic use on farm animals when animals are not sick and collecting important data regarding antibiotic use on farms.
Public health advocates are applauding the State Senate and House of Delegates for passing bills (SB471/HB652) to ensure that Maryland is restricting antibiotic use on farm animals that are not sick and collecting important data regarding antibiotic use on farms.
Just seven weeks after Tyson Foods recalled chicken nuggets that could contain rubber, the poultry giant is recalling chicken strips that might contain metal.
Annapolis – Reacting to pervasive lead contamination in schools’ drinking water, Maryland PIRG gave Maryland a C grade today for addressing the problem, according to a new report. In the second edition of Maryland PIRG’s Get The Lead Out study, the state showed progress as Maryland received an F grade in 2017. State Delegates Jared Solomon and Stephen Lafferty, State Senator Cory McCray, and the Baltimore Teachers’ Union joined Maryland PIRG in calling for swift action to ensure lead-free water in Maryland’s schools.
Public Health | U.S. PIRG
End the nicotine trap
In 2018, 1 in 5 high school students vaped, which often delivers a highly addictive dose of nicotine. This has damaging consequences for their future and their health.
Public Health | U.S. PIRG
Glyphosate in beer and wine
Research shows that beer and wine are contaminated with glyphosate, the main ingredient in the weed killer Roundup.
Public Health | Maryland PIRG
Fight against flame retardants
It's time to protect our families and fire fighters from toxic flame retardant chemicals in consumer products.
Public Health
How safe is our food?
Our latest report examines recent food safety trends, case studies of national recalls, what they mean for our health, and what we should do about it.
Latest Reports
Tools & Resources
-
Open Letter to Subway
Phase out meats produced with routine use of antibiotics. -
Public Comments: Proposed Off-Gassing Regulation Changes
COMAR 26.11.32 - Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Consumer ProductsMaryland Public Interest Research Group -
What Stinks? Toxic Phthalates in your home
New data reveals widespread use of hormone-disrupting chemicals in cleaners, disinfectants, deodorizers, clothing, shoes, paints, and personal care products.A report from the Environmental Health Strategy Center & from Prevent Harm -
Resource Guide: 'Green' Cleaning Options for Baltimore
Half of Baltimore stores carry certified non-toxic products. Find out where!Maryland PIRG Foundation -
Maryland Delegation sends letter to Congress urging stronger chemical protections
Current negotiations could tie the hands of states working to protect their citizens from toxic chemical expsosure. The bill would effecting halt state action to restrict dangerous chemical substances while the EPA assess chemical safety.Maryland PIRG -
Save Antibiotics: Baltimore Restaurant Guide
Restaurants that serve meat without the routine use of human antibioticsMaryland PIRG Foundation
Our Affiliates
Consumer Alerts
Support us
Your donation supports Maryland PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.