North Dakota Planned Parenthood Advocate

Non-stick pans and your reproductive health

The implications of environmental toxins on human health continue to be uncovered. As protectors of reproductive health, Planned Parenthood supports legislation aimed at protecting health from environmental toxins. In 2009, Planned Parenthood worked to pass legislation banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in babies bottles.

 

BPA is an endocrine disruptor that was shown to hinder fetal and child development and caused reproduction challenges later in life. Another environmental toxin, perfluroinated chemicals (PFCs) - used to create heat-resistant, non-stick coatings for cookware - has recently been in the news. A new, comprehensive study showed that high levels of PFCs in the blood were linked to significantly higher rates of early menopause and lower levels of natural hormones. According to the CDC, the majority of Americans have measurable levels of PFCs in their systems.

Limiting your exposure to environmental toxins poses some challenges but Planned Parenthood's Green Choices campaign works to help women and families educate themselves about environmental toxins. Another way to support better consumer information about environmental toxins is to voice your support for the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act. This bill will help protect us from environmental toxins by removing the "grandfather" loophole that has allowed 62,000 older synthetic chemicals to remain untested but stay on the market, ensure that chemical companies prove that chemicals are safe before they are used in consumer goods or released into the environment and promote open information about chemicals.

We all deserve a safe and clean environment and the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act will help all consumers protect themselves and their families from environmental toxins.

 

--by Rachel Nygaard, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Advocate

Happy Earth Day! Check out our new video!

 

 

 

 

by Karina
Web Editor
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund

Over the past couple of years, Planned Parenthood has become increasingly involved in the issue of environmental toxins and how they affect our reproductive health. Scientists are continually finding that many of the chemicals contained in products we use daily are having a negative effect on our health—particularly our reproductive health. As protectors of reproductive health, we are committed to addressing this looming environmental issue.

To that end, we’ve created a video that explains why environmental health is an issue that pro-choicers should care about. This Earth Day please take a moment to watch this video and then share it with your friends and family, as well as with your networks on facebook and twitter. For more information visit greenischoice.org

 

If you are interested in learning more, please come to our at Earth Day Education event at our Uptown office TONIGHT. We are also thrilled to have presenter, Dr. David Wallinga, Director of Food and Health program from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, join us for a great discussion on this issue. Our Teen Council will also instruct participants on making their own environmentally-friendly cosmetics and cleaning supplies. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at our office in Minneapolis located at 1200 Lagoon Avenue. For more information or to RSVP please email volunteers@ppmns.org.

EARTH DAY VIDEO: Environmental Health and CHOICE

by Karina

Web Editor
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund

Happy Earth Day!

Well happy almost Earth Day! You might be wondering why a Planned Parenthood blogger is wishing you a Happy Earth Day.  Yes, I am a bit of a tree hugger, but I’m not the only one.  Over the past couple of years, Planned Parenthood has become increasingly involved in the issue of environmental toxins and how they affect our reproductive health.  Scientists are finding that many of the chemicals contained in products we use daily are having a negative effect on our health—particularly our reproductive health. As protectors of reproductive health, it’s time for Planned Parenthood to get involved in this issue.

To that end, I’ve created a BRAND NEW video that further explains Planned Parenthood’s involvement in the environmental health issue and explains some of the ways our reproductive health is affected by the chemicals we encounter in our every day lives. Check it out and please be sure to share this video with your friends and family and post to facebook and twitter as well. We need your help to get the word out about this critical issue.

 

Also, be sure visit our new website, greenischoice.org to find information on healthy alternatives to these chemicals. And stay connected with environmental health issues by following GREEN IS CHOICE on twitter.