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
Shortages improved during the fall but worsened in December
It’s unconscionable that some of our most vulnerable populations and their caregivers are being put in such danger during a global pandemic. But it doesn’t have to be this way — not if our country acts right now to ramp up production and distribution of PPE to where it’s needed most.
Whether you have a loved one currently in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility, or whether you’re shopping for one, you should arm yourself with a list of questions to gauge how safe the environment is. Here’s a guide to those questions, and the answers you should expect.
The Baltimore City Council voted in favor of a new comprehensive regulation on pesticides (CB 20-0495). The bill restricts the use of chlorpyrifos, neonicotinoids and glyphosate (the main ingredient in the popular weed killer RoundUp) in Baltimore City. The regulation will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
Baltimore - Gov. Larry Hogan announced Friday that he is loosening coronavirus restrictions on indoor dining. Starting Monday, September 21st at 5:00pm restaurants will be allowed to operate at 75 percent capacity for indoor dining, up from 50%.
Public Health
Protecting Marylanders from toxic ‘forever chemicals’
PFAS are a class of chemicals commonly used in cookware, food packaging, outdoor apparel, carpets and firefighting foams. They have been linked to cancer and other serious illnesses — and in order to protect our communities from this public health threat, we need to address PFAS contamination in our food, water, consumer products and environment.
Public Health
Baltimore puts public health over toxic pesticides
The Baltimore City Council has passed a bill that restricts the use of three toxic pesticides: chlorpyrifos, neonicotinoids and glyphosate (the main ingredient in the popular weed killer Roundup). Glyphosate and chlorpyrifos have been linked to severe health issues, while neonicotinoids contribute the decline in bee populations, which threatens our ecosystems and food production.
Public Health
Economists call for states to shut down, contain coronavirus before reopening
Economists from leading universities have signed an open letter to decision-makers urging them to scale back reopening in states that fail to meet public health benchmarks, saying the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus will continue as long as the virus goes uncontained.
Public Health
Maryland PIRG: Gov. Hogan should support local COVID-19 precautions, not restrict them
Gov. Larry Hogan has announced an emergency order prohibiting local governments within Maryland from issuing blanket closures of schools. Maryland PIRG opposes this decision — if local governments assess that temporarily closing schools during the coronavirus pandemic is best for public health, they shouldn't be barred from doing so.
Latest Reports
Tools & Resources
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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
Consumer Alerts
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