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
Maryland PIRG Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (NRDC) and Fashion FWD released a scorecard on Wednesday ranking popular retail and apparel brands on policy commitments to eliminate a dangerous class of toxic “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, from their products.
On Tuesday, the Senate Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee voted unanimously to send the George Walter Taylor Act to the Senate Floor.
Public Health
Maryland PIRG-backed comprehensive climate bill clears major hurdle
Pollution from fossil fuel-powered buildings and transportation puts Maryland families’ health and safety at risk. The Climate Solutions Now Act would change that by increasing the state’s electric vehicle fleet and requiring large buildings to reduce emissions, among other key targets.
Public Health
Emily Scarr makes the case for action to reduce PFAS
At the Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit, Emily Scarr made the case for stopping the use of "forever chemicals" in our everyday products.
Public Health
Maryland PIRG Foundation report details threat of PFAS chemicals
Nearly every American has toxic PFAS chemicals in their blood. A new Maryland PIRG report tells us how PFAS contamination puts our health at risk, what we can do about it. and calls for the regulation and restriction of this class of class of chemicals.
Public Health
Maryland adopts tougher standard for lead in school kids' drinking water
Gov. Larry Hogan has signed the Safe School Drinking Water Act into law, which requires schools to remediate lead in drinking water taps that test above five parts per billion. State-required testing that Maryland PIRG helped pass has revealed dangerous levels of lead, a potent neurotoxin that's especially hazardous to children, throughout the state.
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 -
Letter of Support: HB643 Restricting Toxic Chemicals in Personal Care Products, Cosmetics
State and National Groups Back Reform
Consumer Alerts
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