Laboratory tests show that the “new smell” of a fresh polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) shower curtain is really toxic chemicals being released into the air. The Center for Health, Environment and Justice commissioned tests which found over 100 toxic volatile organic compounds are released for up to 28 days from vinyl curtains. The chemicals cause adverse health effects, such as respiratory irritation. "Safe alternatives exist, such as polyester or fabric curtains," said CEC Executive Director Barbara Warren at a State Capitol press conference on June 12, 2008.
Read Volatile Vinyl Report
Sign the Petition for PVC-Free Shower Curtains
New State Ban on Open Burning and Toxic Burn Barrels
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is proposing a new rule to eliminate open burning of waste to stop harmful toxic emissions. Open burning of residential wastes in any town with a population of 20,000 or more has been prohibited since 1972, and DEC is proposing to extend the ban to every community statewide, with a few exception such as agricultural burning of organic wastes only (no plastic) Backyard burn barrels have been found to release dangerous chemicals into the air, such as highly toxic dioxins and furans. Read CEC's Testimony on Open Burning Regulations
Please send a letter or email supporting this important ban by July 10th to DEC at airregs@gw.dec.state.ny.us or DEC, Division of Air Resources, Robert Stanton, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-3254
For more information on the proposed rule, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/26402.html
For more information on the open burning dangers, go tohttp://www.dec.ny.gov/public/32064.html
Pollution Prevention Institute Established
CEC was instrumental in obtaining $3 million in the 2008 state budget for the newly created Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) and its Green Chemistry Program. PPI is housed at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the State University of New York at Buffalo Governor's News Release
In June 2008, Barbara Warren, CEC Executive Director, was appointed to the PPI Advisory Committee!
CEC Internships
Want to help save the environment and protect communities from toxic chemical exposures? Apply for a CEC Internship and work on exciting statewide environmental campaigns. You can apply for a part-time or full-time internship by contact Barbara Warren at warrenba@msn.com
For more information
Green Purchasing Executive Order Issued
Two green purchasing policies moved forward to help New York agencies "green the marketplace" and promote healthy, safe products. 
Governor David Paterson issued a Green Procurement Executive Order in April, 2008 to require agencies to purchase environmentally-friendly products and develop sustainability programs(Governor's News Release)
During the annual Earth Day Lobby Day, the New York State Assembly passed the Healthy and Green Procurement Act (A.7483-A) by a vote of 116 to 11.
Environmental Justice Committee Moves Forward
Barbara Warren, CEC Executive Director, was recently invited to work with the newly created State Environmental Justice Inter-Agency Committee involving 14 state agencies. CEC looks forward to working on priority environmental justice issues across the state. Contact CEC at warrenba@msn.com if you have any suggestions. For information about toxic hazards in your community and user-friendly maps, go to CEC's Ecothreat website at http://www.ecothreatny.org/
Free Workshops on Green Buildings
Want to learn how to build a "green" home or business? Invite CEC to give a workshop presentation to your group or institution by contacting us at 518-462-5527. These valuable educational presentations will feature information from CEC's popular guide, The World At Home: A Household Guide to Building Green.
