Toxics & Environmental Health

Trouble in Toyland, still, after 27 years

As we head into the holiday shopping season, dangerous toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, according to VPIRG’s 27th annual Trouble in Toyland report. VPIRG released a new report revealing the results of laboratory testing on toys for toxic chemicals including lead and phthalates, both of which have harmful health impacts on the development of young children.

Reflections on the VT Environmental Summit

Sunday’s VT Environmental Summit, co-hosted with Toxics Action Center, was a real highlight of my time working with VPIRG so far.  Over 75 people joined us at Vermont Technical College to spend a day meeting new people, learning more about the issues we all care about and how we can make the biggest impact working …

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New Study: Mercury in Tuna May Present Greater Risk than Thought

For immediate release: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Montpelier, VT – Some children may be at greater risk from mercury in tuna than previously thought, finds a new study by the Mercury Policy Project (MPP).  Tuna Surprise contains the first-ever test results of canned tuna sold to schools, including Vermont schools, and assesses children’s mercury exposure …

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VPIRG Releases 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard

  The Vermont Public Interest Research Group released its 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard on public interest issues today. As the state’s largest consumer and environmental advocacy organization, VPIRG is involved in a broad range of policy debates in Montpelier, from health care reform to banning fracking. The 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard tracks votes on clean energy, health care, consumer protection, …

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Thank You Summer 2012 Interns!

VPIRG summer interns worked hard on research, grassroots organizing and more.  We extend a huge THANK YOU to these five dedicated, smart members of the team.  Click the links below to learn their stories. Clean Energy Intern – Brian Buckley Brian Buckley is one of two clean energy interns working with VPIRG.  A bona fide …

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Back-to-School Guide for Safer School Supplies

The Back-to-School Guide for Safer School Supplies provides parents with information on many common back-to-school items – from backpacks to binders – that may contain toxic chemicals and suggests some safer alternatives. For example, a lot of children’s products, including backpacks, paper clips, 3-ring binders, and lunch boxes, are decorated with PVC coatings.   Polyvinyl chloride, …

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Intern Dives into Reforming Toxic Chemical Regulations

Evaluating funding mechanisms available to states tackling new comprehensive toxic chemical regulations – this research requires brains and patience, both of which intern Mitty Barnard has exemplified this summer.  Mitty comes to VPIRG from Vermont Law School, where she’s on track to complete her law degree in 2013. Prior to coming to Vermont for law …

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