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Body Burden: Click here to learn how your body is affected by common industrial toxics! | | TOXICS & HEALTH
When we stop and take note, chemicals are everywhere in our lives - from artificially scented orange cleaner, to fabric stain guard, right down to the sticky part of an envelope. Many of these are known to be dangerous to human health. Since 1982, when a San Jose mother discovered that her child had a rare respiratory illness caused by exposure to high-tech manufacturing chemicals, SVTC has been monitoring dangerous chemicals in our electronics, our homes, and our environment and fighting for a toxic-free future.
1,000+ Chemicals Used in Electronics Production
Just one computer can contain hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFR’s) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, respiratory illness and reproductive problems. They are especially dangerous because of their ability to travel long distances through air and water and accumulate in our bodies and the environment. Learn more about toxics in electronics
Are You Safe From Toxics in Your Home?
Though there are many obvious dangerous household chemicals such as drain clog openers, bleach and certain cleansers, there are actually hundreds of toxics throughout our homes that most of us are unaware of. From carpeting to furniture fabric to mattresses, there is a wide array of toxics which can cause asthma, reproductive problems, cancer and disrupt the nervous system. Learn more about household toxics
Tour of Pollution, Illness and Death in Silicon Valley
The Silicon Valley holds the image of being at the forefront of the high-tech revolution, but it has also been the first of many areas around the globe to suffer the dangerous consequences of high-tech pollution. The Silicon Valley has 29 toxic EPA Superfund sites, the highest concentration in the country, and has seen thousands suffer from illness, reproductive problems and death from toxic exposure to high-tech manufacturing chemicals. The area continues to spend millions cleaning up this high-tech toxic legacy which is disproportionately concentrated in low income communities of color. Take a "Toxic Tour" of Silicon Valley
Green Chemistry: A Market Revolution Waiting to Happen
“Green” chemistry is the development of chemicals that are environmentally benign. Currently, green alternatives have proven to be economically superior and function as well or better than more toxic traditional options. When hazardous materials are cut from processes, all hazard-related costs are cut as well, significantly reducing hazardous materials handling, transportation and disposal. Green Chemistry is currently an untapped opportunity for chemical companies to develop and reap enormous market rewards. Learn about green chemistry
Chemical Reform
People should feel safe in our homes and be able to purchase products without unwittingly exposing our families to dangerous substances. Currently, we are left waiting for bad things to happen before action is taken. SVTC is part of a movement to pass comprehensive chemical policy to prohibit the use of known toxics and take a precautionary approach to new chemicals. This means that companies cannot use chemicals in their production or products that they cannot prove are safe. Learn about chemical policy
For Additional Resources
Click Here for a list of websites and reports on Toxics and Health. |
