Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

Good news! Just before the holidays, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), as well as two US manufacturers and the largest US importer of the toxic flame retardant decaBDE, announced a voluntary phase out of the chemical’s production, importation, and sale by the end of 2013. This chemical is part of the polybrominated flame retardant (PBDE) family and is used to make the sole PBDE mixture still widely used.

Trying to figure out what toys to buy for your children this holiday? A report issued by the Ecology Center, a Michigan-based Environmental Group, reveals that it might be more difficult than you think.

The group tested over 1,500 toys for traces of dangerous chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and PVC. Results of their research show that one third of toys tested, many of which can be found in popular chain stores such as Toys R Us and Wal-Mart, contain medium to high levels of toxic chemicals.

A new study shows that many fragrances found in all kinds of products may release harmful chemicals.

Researcher Anne C. Steinemann, PhD, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs at the University of Washington, Seattle tested top-selling air fresheners and laundry supplies. She found about 100 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released from these products. Some of the chemicals can be cancerous or cause harm to respiratory, reproductive, neurological and other organ systems.

A consensus statement signed by over 50 international health professionals and scientists from the Collaborative on Health and the Environment’s Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative shows us a summary of concerns associated with learning and developmental disabilities. According to the experts, children are more susceptible to the negative effects of toxic chemicals.

Flame retardants and other toxic chemicals are traveling the globe to end up in long-lived killer whales, at the top of the marine food chain.