Tag: Toxic Chemicals
Defend Our Health Featured on ‘What You’re Eating’ Podcast
Hosted by Jerusha Klemperer, in episode 16 titled “PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Your Food,” Food Print spoke to our campaign manager, Adam Nordell, to focus their attention on Maine to learn more about PFAS and how the chemicals have ended up in well water, on farms, in food, and ultimately in people’s bodies. Adam… Read more »
Defend Our Health Featured on Green Living with Tee Podcast
Defend’s senior market campaigner Maya Rommwatt guest starred on the Green Living Gurus’ podcast titled Green Living With Tee. The Green Living Gurus are a collection of women whose mission is to share tools and information on how to decrease exposure to toxic chemicals and help people live healthy lifestyles. Maya joined Therese “Tee” Forton-Barnes… Read more »
Internship Reflection and 2023 Legislative Cycle
For the past few months I had the opportunity to work with Defend Our Health as an intern, where I focused on supporting priority bills in Maine’s 2023 legislative session. With my background in environmental health, and my current work as a public health analyst and a Physician’s for Social Responsibility Next Generation Climate Ambassador,… Read more »
The Fight Against PFAS Contamination in The Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast communities have long been subjected to the iron grip of petrochemical plants and oil companies. These communities, often BIPOC and low-income, are heavily subjected to the health impacts of both air and water contamination. Around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS and the Gulf Coast is no stranger… Read more »
The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle Webinar
Last month, we released our report titled “Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle” which explores the many health harms of plastics production, the potential health effects of consuming beverages in plastic bottles, and dangers to workers and communities from recycling and disposal. Las week, report co-author Mike Belliveau, Defend’s Executive Director was joined by Port… Read more »
Minnesota Becomes the Second State to Ban PFAS – With A Little Help From Maine
Since 2021, Maine has been the first and only state in the nation to ban the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in all products. Until now! On May 17, 2023, the Minnesota legislature passed an environment and energy package, HF 2310 “Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Finance and Policy Bill,” which includes a total ban… Read more »
PFAS WEEK RECAP: Defend Joins Advocates in Week-long Testimonies on PFAS Related Bills
The week of April 24th, Defend joined legislators, impacted citizens, scientists and health advocates as they testified on a number of PFAS related bills to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. As reported on by Portland Press Herald, concerned constituents faced pushback from business groups that want lawmakers… Read more »
The Fight Against PFAS Contamination Across the Country
PFAS contamination is an issue that plagues every corner of our country. It destroys families and livelihoods without qualms. According to a recent study, around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS. And while this is an issue that affects Americans across the country, it is one that adversely impacts low-income communities, communities of color, and farming… Read more »
Defend Joined Dozens of Advocates in Support Of LD 132
On Tuesday, Defend joined dozens of impacted families, farmers, and activists who testified in support of LD 132 “An Act to Require Health Insurance Carriers to Provide Coverage for Blood Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.” This bill would require insurance companies to cover the cost of PFAS blood serum testing. Advocates urged that a… Read more »
Defend’s Director of Research, OpEd in Civil Eats
Defend’s Director of Research, Roopa Krithivasan, was featured last week in Civil Eats – a daily news source for critical thought about the American food system. Krithivasan pointedly asks a health-conscious audience to consider the toxic impacts of plastic-bottled sodas. Most consumers are well aware of the health risks posed by soda’s sugar levels, but… Read more »