One Minute Activist
January 2005

I had a hard time believing this one myself, and I think I'm pretty cynical. This has actually been "pulled back to be re-evaluated" because of a high volume of outrage, but not outright stopped. Please help us end the use of children of poor families as test subjects for toxic chemicals. -Chris Durkin

One Minute Activist letters are available on the bulletin boards at both stores. Or download a printable version of this letter to print from your computer.

Text of January's One Minute Activist Letter:

January 2005
Mike Leavitt, EPA Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460

Mr. Leavitt,

I am writing concerning the report that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Bush appointees, is seeking input on a new proposed study in which infants in participating low income families will be monitored for health impacts as they undergo exposure to known toxic chemicals over the course of two years. The study entitled Children's Environmental Exposure Research Study (CHEERS) will look at how chemicals can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed by children ranging from babies to 3 years old.

For taking part in these studies, each family will receive $970, a free video camera, a T-shirt, and a framed certificate of appreciation.

We are writing to request the Children's Environment Exposure Research Study be terminated prior to its proposed implementation in early 2005.

The manner in which the study is constructed could result in negative long term health impacts on the participating children. It may also provoke increased toxic chemical usage by study participants and applicants, particularly among minorities and low income families, which is the prominent demographic in the area of Jacksonville, FL where this study is to be implemented.

In addition, a full $2 million of the financing behind this study is funded by the American Chemistry Council. ACC is a chemical industry front group made up of corporations with a track record of manipulated studies and lack of concern for toxic chemical impacts on minorities and low income areas. From Monsanto to Dow to Exxon, these ACC member corporations should have no part in such a study. There is far too great of a potential for ultimately achieving biased results that favor the chemical industry, at the expense of the health and well being of the participating children test subjects.

Sincerely,

Name__________________________Signature___________________________

Address____________________________________________________________

Phone_________________email_______________________________________

Thanks to the Organic Consumers Association