RTKnet: Labels

PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Most Personal-Care Products are Toxic (Durango Herald)

According to the Durango Herald, "Most toothpaste, skin lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, conditioners, soaps and cosmetics contain toxic substances you do not want in your body. All of these products also end up in our waterways to affect us a second time when we use the water." More product information is available at the Cosmetic Safety Database.

(10 Mar 2010)

More Time to Comment on Disclosure of Pesticide Ingredients (U.S. EPA)

In response to industry requests, the EPA has extended the public comment period on its proposal to require disclosure of pesticide ingredients, including so-called inert ingredients, until April 23, 2010. "Inert" ingredients can be extremely dangerous but are usually not dislosed on pesticide labels. Submit your comments here.

(25 Feb 2010)

Chemical Secrecy Keeps BPA in Food (Environmental Working Group)

Even makers of canned foods can’t necessarily find out if certain chemicals, including BPA, are in the liners of the cans they sell to millions of people every day.

(24 Feb 2010)

Earthjustice Fights for Disclosure of Household Toxics (Earthjustice)

A long-neglected New York state law requires household cleaning product manufacturers to disclose their chemical ingredients and information about the health risks they pose. Earthjustice attorneys are fighting in NY State Supreme Court to see the law enforced. The lawsuit impacts cleaning products sold nationwide.

(23 Feb 2010)

California Moves to List BPA as Toxin (Breast Cancer Fund)

The California Environmental Protection Agency signaled its intent to add bisphenol A (BPA) to the state’s official list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects, adding to the mounting evidence that the plastics chemical should be banned from food and beverage containers. The list is part of California's right-to-know program, know as Proposition 65.

(16 Feb 2010)

USDA Sets Higher Standard For Organic Milk Label (LA Times)

In a move to clarify consumer concerns about the integrity of the organic food label, the USDA imposed strict new standards for what kind of milk qualifies as organic: Cows must get plenty of fresh grass and spend at least four months a year grazing in pastures.

(16 Feb 2010)

Groups Fight for Transparency of Toxics in Cleaning Products. (Earthjustice)

Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Church and Dwight and Reckitt-Benckiser are in court defending their alleged noncompliance with NY state disclosure law. "It's time for these companies to stop hiding behind a veil of secrecy and give consumers the information they need to protect themselves and their families."

(05 Feb 2010)

EPA Seeking Comment on Disclosing Pesticide Ingredients (OMB Watch)

The EPA is accepting public comments on its proposal to require pesticide manufacturers to label pesticide ingredients. Currently, pesticide makers must label the "active" ingredients in a pesticide, but they are not required to identify so-called inert ingredients. "Inerts" often are toxic or otherwise harmful substances in their own right.

(23 Dec 2009)

EU Requires Labeling of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics (Royal Society of Chemistry)

A new European regulation will require cosmetics manufacturers to list any nanoparticles contained in products marketed within the European Union. The regulation states that all nanomaterial ingredients should be clearly indicated in the list of ingredients by inserting the word 'nano' in brackets after the ingredient listing.

(01 Dec 2009)

Public Pressure, Policies Drive Innovation, Safer Products (Green Chemistry & Commerce Council)

Public demand for information on product ingredients helps drive development of greener products, according to three case studies of Nike, S.C. Johnson, and Hewlett-Packard, conducted by the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production.

(01 Dec 2009)