Breaking New Trails:

Share Arlene Blum’s visions for creating a better world.

Arlene's current "mountain" is to work with the chemical industry, scientists, government, and environmentalists to define a better policy for fire retardants and related chemicals.

The  Problem with some Fire Retardant Chemicals
There are currently over 80,000 chemicals on the market in the U.S., many of which add to the comfort and convenience of modern life. However, some halogenated fire retardants and related chemicals are accumulating in people and the environment.  Upon testing, many of these chemicals can be linked to cancer, birth defects, reproductive impacts, endocrine disruption, and other health problems.

Currently in the United States, chemicals are regulated or withdrawn from the market only after harm can be shown and many fire retardant and related chemicals have not been tested for their effect on health and the environment.

Reach is One Solution
The European Union is adopting regulations known as the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals. Manufacturers must demonstrate that their products are safe for people and the environment in order to be able to introduce them and keep them on the market. 

Arlene Blum's publications on fire retardant chemicals:

November 2006 Op-ed in the New York Times on fire retardant chemicals Click here

Flame-retardant Additives as Possible Cancer Hazard (pdf) Click here

Children Absorb Tris-BP Flame Retardant from Sleepwear (pdf) Click here

Another Flame Retardant, Tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)-phosphate and it's Expected Metabolites are Mutagens
(pdf) Click here

For a 2005 study on body burden of toxic chemicals as reported in the Oakland Tribune: Click here

To learn about Arlene Blum's ideas for helping children learn and enjoy math with the Math Project: Click here