​​Currently, the Vermont Legislature is considering a Bill (S.25) that would ban a range of chemicals (listed below) from cosmetic products, menstrual products, textiles, and athletic turfs. 

This Bill must be passed, as it would ban the incredibly dangerous chemicals listed below from products. Showing our representatives that our health is more important than profit is incredibly important. Vermonters deserve a future free from toxic and dangerous substances, and passing this Bill is the first step. 

The Bill would ban these chemicals from cosmetic and menstrual products:

1. Ortho-phthalates. This class of chemicals is known to impair brain and reproductive system development and increase the risks for behavioral, learning, and attention disorders in children. (AJPH, Engel et. al)
2. PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl/Perfluoroalkyl). This group of manufactured chemicals is known to increase cholesterol, the risk of some cancers, and the risk of developmental disorders in children. PFAS also interferes with the body's hormones and is linked to puberty beginning at younger ages. This group of chemicals is also known to reduce the body's ability to fight infections. (US EPA)
3. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents. This chemical is a known carcinogen and causes severe allergic reactions/rashes. (Environment International, Lin et. al.)
4. Methylene glycol. Releases formaldehyde into the air, which is incredibly dangerous. (European Union)
5. Mercury and mercury compounds. Known to cause damage to the nervous system (including brain damage), skin reactions, and mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning can cause changes in vision or hearing, depression, and other mood/sensory problems. (FDA and NYC Health)
6. 1, 4-dioxane. Known to cause liver and kidney problems, nose and eye irritation, and (rarely) death. This chemical is also classified to be a possible carcinogen. (CDC)
7. Isopropylparaben and Isobutylparaben. Parabens mimic the body’s hormones, specifically estrogen. There is little research on the danger of Parabens, but the EU has imposed regulations on parabens. (European Commission)
8. Lead and lead compounds. When used in menstrual products, the concentration of lead in the blood increases, which can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and death when the concentration of lead in the blood is high. Lead can also cause kidney and nervous system damage. (FDA, NIH, Mayo Clinic)
9. Asbestos. This compound is widely known to cause cancers and other health problems.
10. Aluminum salts. At high concentrations, aluminum can cause a dementia-like syndrome and memory issues. There is inconclusive research into whether aluminum causes breast cancer. More research is needed, but aluminum is a known neurotoxin. (Deutsches Ärzteblatt)
11. Triclosan. This chemical is known to cause problems with the cell’s mitochondria, lead to a lower birth weight, infertility, hormonal issues, and is a possible carcinogen. (NIH, Journal of Toxicology and environmental health.
12. m-phenylenediamine and its salts/o-phenylenediamine and its salts. Known to cause kidney, liver, and blood problems, as well as respiratory issues. When in skin products, irritation and allergic reactions are known to occur. M- and O- phenylenediamine are both considered possible carcinogens.

The Bill would restrict PFAS (dangers listed above) from textiles and artificial turfs.

Now that this Bill is in the Vermont Legislature, it is crucial that we the public show support for it and work to create a future free from toxins.