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Photo credit: Tom Wilson
our scientific research There’s a lot of hard work! From researching toxic chemicals in breast milk to investigating chemicals released into the home from products, we use our research to uncover gaps in scientific understanding and bring important environmental health issues to the forefront. Push it out. Ultimately, this research will help decision makers move towards safer chemical policies to keep the most dangerous chemicals out of products in the home.
Toxic-Free Future’s scientific program is led by Scientific Director Erika Schroeder. Learn more about Erica and how she is developing scientific research to advance our mission to transform markets and governments by making safer products available to everyone. Please take a closer look.
Q: Now, a very serious question: cake or pie?
both! I can’t choose between cake or pie!
Q: What is your favorite way to have fun or relax?
A: My favorite way is to go outside. I love being in the mountains when it snows. In fact, I also love being there when it’s not snowing. I love being outside, whether it’s working in the garden, cycling to work, or other ways to spend time in nature.
Q: Is it a cat or a dog?
A: It’s a frog. We have a frog named Maxie. He is a tree frog, or chorus frog. The names are different. He is 4 and a half years old. He’s doing great!
Q: What are some of the emerging scientific trends you see in our work?
A: Scientists are now increasingly recognizing the need to pay attention to the chemicals that are often used in the manufacture of products. These chemicals are largely unregulated and exist in our homes, bodies, and outdoor environments.
Q: Much of your research is used to drive policy in Washington state and beyond. Why is it important for science to inform policy?
A: Well, the goal of toxics policy is to make people and the planet healthier. And we need to make the most of science to inform policy and take the most effective actions to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals that cause disease.
Q: What policy are you most proud of where your science/expertise has been applied?
answer: Victory in Washington state law that created the Safer Product Program This is not the result of a single study, but the body of research we have conducted over the years argues that we need to address toxic chemicals in our products to protect our health. .
Q: What is your favorite piece of research you have done and why?
A: One of my favorite studies looked at how chemicals used in products at home become contaminated. From our house to the waterway. We asked the question, “Could some of the flame retardants used in household products end up on clothing when hitchhiking from an indoor environment to an outdoor environment?” . And if they build up on clothes, can they be washed away in the washing machine?’ And (we surmised) that when that water goes through the sewage treatment plant, the chemicals just pass through. It can reach our waterways.
They measured flame retardants and house dust from 10 homes in each of the two communities. Each household then washed a large amount of everyday clothes that they had been wearing around the house. We took samples of washing water and measured the flame retardant content in the water. They also collected samples from wastewater treatment plants in both communities, both flowing into and leaving the facilities. After examining the levels of flame retardants in the water entering the factory and comparing them to the levels of flame retardants in the washing water, we concluded that (washing water) is a significant source of toxic flame retardants entering the water. . It goes to treatment plants and ultimately to surface waters.
This research shows that the decisions we make about what chemicals can be used in our products affect what chemicals fish and wildlife are exposed to, and ultimately what chemicals may end up in our drinking water. showed that it directly affects certain compounds.
Therefore, the importance of prevention was demonstrated. Because once these chemicals get into products, there is a clear path for them to reach the outdoor environment.
Q: How do you come up with study ideas?
answer: Often we come across interesting information in the scientific literature. It may have been discovered in another country, another region. And we wonder if that could be happening in the United States as well.So was the work we did. breast milk recently. We were concerned, based on information we were seeing from other countries, that some of the new flame retardants could be found in breast milk.
In some cases, it begins with a concern for a particular group.inside nap mat study We were interested in research investigating exposure to young children in child care settings.
Our goal is to conduct scientific research that informs policy action. So we work to fill the information gap so policymakers can take action.
Q: As a scientist working on the issue of toxic chemicals, how do you avoid the risk of being exposed to these chemicals in your daily life and how can you live without fear? Why do you feel hopeful about the situation?
answer: When it comes to protecting myself and my family from toxic chemicals, I first think about what simple things I can do to protect myself. That means washing your hands, keeping your room well-ventilated, and practicing simple cleaning routines like wiping and wiping to help reduce exposure to chemicals that accumulate in dust. Next, we look at reducing exposure to chemicals through food. So the biggest way we can do that is by going organic, which is proven to reduce exposure to pesticides, and cooking our own food instead of eating lots of processed foods.
We also look at big-ticket items that can have the biggest impact: flooring, insulation, furniture, etc.
I focus on the positive and what we can do better by focusing on policies that protect us all. I channel my energy into making positive changes. Often the only way to protect one of us is to protect us all.
I feel very hopeful. We’ve seen incredible progress and market changes, especially in Washington State. We have a vision of a world where the items we bring into our homes, use at school and work are made from sustainable materials, free from chemicals that can harm us or the producers. . item.
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