How PFAS Activism Has Shaped Public Health Policies Webinar Recording

Published: August 19, 2020  ~   0

Disparities and Inequities in Breast Cancer Care Webinar Recording

Published: July 30, 2020  ~   0

PFAS in the Environment: The International Perspective Webinar Recording

Published: July 21, 2020  ~   0

Remove PFAS from Food Packaging

Published: June 15, 2020  ~   0

For our 2020-2021 campaign, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is reaching out to supporters to contact their local representatives in support of legislation that would ban PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from food packaging across the Commonwealth. Continuing with the momentum from our 2019 campaign which was focused on protecting Massachusetts drinking water from PFAS, this year we are extending that effort to address the PFAS found in items like sandwich wrappers and bakery bags. As part of MBCC’s new campaign, we are inviting all high school students across the Commonwealth to join this letter-writing campaign and make their voices heard with state legislators.

Many of the chemicals used in food packaging can leach into food and enter people’s bodies. A 2019 study by Silent Spring Institute revealed that people who ate more meals at home had significantly lower levels of PFAS in their bodies vs. those who consumed more fast food or ate out more often. Chemicals in food packaging also raise health concerns when they are disposed of in landfills as they can enter the soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water supplies.

Currently, Bill S. 1315 and Bill H. 3839 are two pieces of legislation geared towards removing these harmful chemicals from food packaging in Massachusetts. We are inviting MBCC supporters, along with educators, parents/caregivers, and high school students to voice their support for the passage of these two bills so we can help eradicate the health repercussions linked to exposure to these toxins.

S.1315 – An Act relative to chemicals in food packaging

H.3839 – An Act to ban the use of PFAS in food packaging

The Time to Act is Now!

In the past two years, Washington, Maine, and, most recently, New York have been successful in adopting policies banning the use of PFAS in food packaging. Likely to follow will be California which has prioritized similar policies under their Green Chemistry & Safer Consumer Products legislation. It is crucial Massachusetts joins this list as well.

In addition to Massachusetts, the following states also have policies currently up for consideration related to banning PFAS from food packaging in favor of safer alternative options: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

For information on how to identify & contact your local MA legislators, please visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

From there, you will be able to find the email address and telephone number to either send a written letter or speak directly with the legislators that serve your area to voice your support for these two bills.

Be sure to mention that you are contacting their office as part of MBCC’s 2020-2021 campaign!

Join MBCC in our efforts to protect future generations!

June 2020 Update from MBCC’s Executive Director

Published: June 12, 2020  ~   0
Dear Friends in Prevention,
 
I hope this finds you and your loved ones well during these truly challenging times.
 
At the heart of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s (MBCC) work for nearly 30 years there has always been a focus on environmental justice – this is reflected in the many groups and organizations we have partnered with, and in our commitment to deliver the vital health information from the Let’s Talk Prevention program translated into seven languages (and more to come), so that as many people as possible can learn about ways to protect themselves, their families, and communities from environmental toxins. We want to acknowledge how this pandemic, disproportionate exposure to environmental toxins, and racial inequalities have overwhelmingly affected communities of color. We, at MBCC, are both heartbroken and outraged by the tragic deaths of George Floyd and of far too many others to count. All of us must do better. MBCC continues to actively listen to the voices of those who have been silenced for far too long, and we are committed to continuing to use our voice to influence policies that result in safer and healthier communities for everyone.
 
While the school year comes to an end, there still remains a great deal of uncertainty in terms of when and how educators and students will be able to safely return to school. I am pleased that MBCC recently expanded the Let’s Talk Prevention Actions You Can Take high school program to now include classroom materials for both middle and elementary school students. Given the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the quick transition to remote learning, we felt compelled to modify both our existing and new materials to help support the needs of teachers, parents/caregivers, and students so they can utilize the modules both in and outside of the classroom. The modules cover topics ranging from reducing household toxin exposure to wireless radiation to the risks of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) water contamination. (Please see the poster below for more information).
 
MBCC has also launched a new campaign to advocate for legislation to protect the health of all communities across the state. Building on the momentum of last year’s PFAS water contamination campaign, we are expanding these efforts to address harmful PFAS found in food packaging. We hope you will read more about this campaign here and join us in supporting two pending bills, S.1315 and H.3839, that would ban the use of PFAS in food packaging in Massachusetts.
 
While we are not able to fundraise through traditional means, MBCC is moving forward with Against the Tide as virtual events this summer. These multi-sport events provide much-needed funding for MBCC’s programs and community outreach, and we are deeply appreciative of all who join with us as a sponsor, volunteer, or participant. We will truly miss seeing so many of you on the beach in Hopkinton as we have for the past 27 years and in Brewster as we have for the past 20 years. We hope that, if you are able to do so, you will consider joining us as a virtual participant or making a donation. Now more than ever, MBCC needs your support towards the mission of cancer prevention for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.
 
Over the past few months, we have been continuously inspired by the strength and dedication of so many who day after day put the needs of their community above their own in the battle against COVID-19. As the state moves through the phases of re-opening, all of us at MBCC hope you and your families remain safe and healthy as we all continue to navigate the unprecedented challenges that lie ahead. 
 
With caring appreciation,

 
Cheryl Osimo
Executive Director
508-246-3047
cherylosimo@comcast.net