Toxic Chemicals and Public Health
Toxics in our environment can adversely affect public health. For decades, since the start of PSR’s environment and health program, PSR worked to protect people and the environment from toxic pollutants. Toxic pollution can cause or is suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues and other serious illnesses. Infants and young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to potential exposure.
PSR’s essential research and reports on potential health impacts associated with toxics continue to serve as vital tools for our partners, allies, and chapters who work on these issues.
Local Chapter Work
Some PSR chapters continue to do vital work regarding toxics at the local and state levels.
PSR chapters working on toxics issues:
Chesapeake PSR: Toxics and Health
Chicago PSR: Toxins & Health
PSR Florida: Resources
Greater Boston PSR: Health and Environment
PSR-Los Angeles: Toxics and Water
PSR Maine: Toxic Chemicals
Oregon PSR: Environmental Health
San Francisco Bay Area PSR: Toxics
Texas PSR: Toxics and Health
Healthy Fish, Healthy Families
September 2014
Latest Toxic Chemicals News & Actions
“Forever” chemicals used in Ohio oil, gas wells
PSR’s latest report reveals use of toxic PFAS chemicals in Ohio oil and gas wells. Read what happened, and what states can do to prevent use of these “forever” chemicals.
Oil and Gas Companies Have Used PFAS in Ohio Wells; ‘Trade Secret’ Laws Limit Public’s Ability to Know Full Extent of Use
Previously unpublicized information unearthed by PSR shows that a class of extremely toxic and persistent chemicals known as PFAS has been used in Ohio’s oil and gas wells since at least 2013.
How Colorado is preventing PFAS contamination from the oil and gas industry
Coverage in Environmental Health News of PFAS research by PSR’s Dusty Horwitt.
PFAS: The latest toxic concern for those near fracking
Environmental Health News article citing PSR’s PFAS reports and quoting author Dusty Horwitt.